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20 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Adam setliff, help my daughter who was looking at 5 years to life. Mr. Setliff he is professional and very smart in his field. You text him he gets back to me in a reasonable time. Mr setliff answer all my guestions. My daughter got 5 years probation that was great, no jail time. I have his number in my iPhone. Hope I don't have to use it, I would hire mr. Setliff again.
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11 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Setliff to help our daughter who became involved with drugs and got arrested. He managed to consolidate cases pending against her in three counties and navigate the subtle different legal processes in each. His client is his sole focus. And excellent attorney all around. Fees are very reasonable. Highly recommend. His website can be found at this link:
http://www.setlifflawfirm.com
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19 Aug, 2015 by Charidy
Mr. Adam Setliff was my first attorney I've ever had to hire and he made the process stress free, easy, and quick! He was so nice and understanding. I didn't go broke for his services either, believe it or not he charges his clients a reasonable price and gets you the best results possible. I would definitely use Mr. Setliff again if I ever needed an attorney!
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07 Mar, 2015 by Jan
Paulette Mueller recently helped us with revising trust, power of attorney, will, etc. documents. We were not previous clients, and an issue came up that we needed help with on short notice. She returned my call after hours on a Friday night, and worked on our issues over the weekend. She made a house call to my elderly housebound mother's residence, and had all matters resolved by Monday. Her knowledge, expertise, and service were truly superb, and her fees were very reasonable. I would highly recommend Ms. Mueller.
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13 Apr, 2012 by Anonymous
I divorced several years ago without representation. I came to a point in my life where I needed legal assistance regarding my ex-husband, child support and custody. I have always been the type to lean back and not push for what I or my children deserved, instead I just thought somehow everything would work out. After a friend talked to me about Paulette and how she had helped her through her legal situation I gave her a call. Right away I knew I had someone that understood my circumstances and more importantly made me believe in myself. Paulette gave me the emotional strength I needed to push forward with what was in the best interest of my children and myself. Sometimes in life there comes a time when we need another to look you in the eyes and tell you that together the situation can be overcome. We started working together on my case and she was with me every step of the way. Encouraging me, giving me the best legal advise and at court standing by my side. My case was a complete win and am looking forward to my brighter future for me and my kids. I cannot thank my friend enough for recommending Paulette to me. I only hope I can pay it forward and tell others about how wonderful an attorney she is. I cannot praise her enough for every effort she has set forth for my children and I. Thank you Paulette for everything!
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07 Oct, 2010 by Mark
Ms. Mueller is an excellent attorney and I would highly recommend her to anyone one that may need her services. She was the best attorney that I've ever been associated with and went above and beyond what was expected when it came to resolving the difficult case that I was involved in. When comparing her services to other attorneys that I've used in the past Ms. Mueller is by far the one I would chose to represent me again if ever needed.
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22 Nov, 2016 by Bobby goldstein
helped me with some archaic liquor laws in my new business. now things are flowing very well.
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06 May, 2013 by Todd
I've used Jeff for many different types of cases and he's a great attorney. His skills in the courtroom are excellentl. I highly recommend him.
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24 Feb, 2010 by Brian
Going through any type of legal action regardless of what side your on can be very stressful and taxing on even the most stable person. Mr. Lynch represented me in my D-I-V-O-R-C-E in 2007. My divorce was one of many colors with a lot of different mentalities to back those colors up. To say the least we had a battle on our hands that even General Lee would not have wanted to fight. I found the right man for the job in Mr. Jeff Lynch. I could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent me. Mr. Lynch's professionalism,experience,reputation, and most importantly, intergrity led to a great victory in my favor. My case was settled in mediation. The mediator at one point tried his best to take Mr. Lynch to the woodshed by insulting him in a not so flattering way in front of me, Mr. Lynch's client. Mr. Lynch very calmly and politely ask me to leave the room so that he and the mediator could discuss the matter in private. I did and when we reconvened the mediator tried very hard the rest of the day to become Mr. Lynch's best friend. Mr. Lynch's calm cool collective demeanor in my opinion is what makes Mr. Lynch a great litigator. In other words, you don't see him coming until it's to late. He is very good at what he does. He always kept me informed and up to date on all changes that were taking place during my divorce. He also kept me calm and help me deal with the anxiety, stess, etc... you go through when your in this type of situation and I thank him for keeping me sane. I would reccomend Mr. Jeff Lynch to my enemies as long as I'm not the one their suing. So if your in need of a Lawyer who will truly represent you and your case, Mr. Lynch is that lawyer.
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14 Nov, 2018 by Charles
Marsha Hunter represented me as a lone entity who felt I was wrongly done in a business deal with an international company. She prevailed as a tenacious and skillful tactitcian in the legal discipline..it truly was David Vs Goliath...thank you Marsha!
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25 Oct, 2018 by John
This attorney's wise advice and skillful negotiation avoided a lawsuit that likely would have turned out badly for me. She would have made a lot more money if I had sued the person who was causing me problems, but she did what was in my best interest and persuaded the problem person to quit. I wholeheartedly recommend this attorney without reservation.
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20 Aug, 2019 by Cody martin
I've worked with Andy on several family law cases that have involved very serious ramifications. He has always been prepared and effective in conducting direct/cross examinations. Furthermore, he has an outstanding court general court demeanor. If I were going to hire a trial attorney for my own case I'd certainly hire him.
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30 Jul, 2019 by Khalid hilali
This Attorney represented me in my legal case. He was vigilant, diligent, honest and very knowledgeable. I am so glad I had him as my Attorney in my case. He was professional in his work handling my case and very compassionate. I can not thank him enough!
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11 Apr, 2019 by Rhonda
Mr. Collins was referred to me in 2012 during a time that was intense and vulnerable, both financially and emotionally. He absolutely 'took the bull by the horns' and gave sound advise and direction. I've remained a client since! Expect his highest and best at all times!
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06 Mar, 2018 by Lisa
Mr. Collins was clear and concise and gave me step by step instructions on what to do in my probate case. He was very friendly and he never acted superior like many lawyers do. I felt very comfortable asking questions that I'm sure he had answered a thousand times. His administrator was wonderful to work with. She is so kind and helpful and knowledgeable. It was a great experience.
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28 Nov, 2017 by Pete
I hired John Withers Jr to handle a very complicated DFAS issue which involved retirement entitlements and Survivor Benefits. He does treat all of his clients like a person and is extremely helpful in making you understand the process through its entirety. He is beyond fair and I would highly recommend him to anyone. He is a solid and sound lawyer who has the highest ethics and professional standards!
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05 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired John in August 2016 for my divorce after having retained another attorney from this site in March 2016 for my divorce case. John was referred to me by an attorney at work. On our initial consultation I was looking to switch attorneys because of having a simple divorce case with a irregular retirement division which my first attorney made very complicated. John was presented with the same information I provided to the first attorney and he understood what I was wanting to achieve right away. He gave me three possible solutions with the pros and cons and advised as to my request not the norm. John said I was being very generous, but knew my intent was to do the right thing. We only met the one time and as of 11-4-16 I am divorced and was the result we wanted from the beginning with decree and a retirement QDRO.
I would highly recommend John and will be referring him when people ask. I think a personal reference is the best review source to find an attorney to meet you need.
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19 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Wilson is hands down the best attorney I have worked with. His sharp wit and professional integrity set him apart from the crowd. I fully trust and, without hesitation, recommend him for any legal matter.
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04 Apr, 2012 by Bart
Mr. Wilson was extremely responsive and easy to contact. He quickly addressed the questions that I had and assisted me skillfully with my case.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Patrick Frank handled my divorce and did a fantastic job. He added language I would have never thought to consider. He also handled my son's divorce and we have nothing but praise for his work!
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08 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
Patrick Frank has been a great legal help to me and he has worked hard at being there when I had a serious issue. I was officially divorced many years ago but issues have risen and Patrick has worked hard at finding the best solution so it was very easy to take all of his advice. He has been a true gift for me and my family.
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15 Jun, 2015 by Stephanie
Amy Shahan was recommended to me by a colleague. I found myself in need of a family attorney and she came recommended in the highest regard. Our first meeting was a difficult one and I found myself feeling nervous, confused, afraid and uncertain. Amy, however, was steadfast and exact in her guidance and explanations of the legal process I was about to take on. Throughout my experience, Amy was professional yet caring and was more than willing to answer my questions and address my concerns at any time. She was available, knowledgeable, and fair. I would recommend her services to friends and family, and quite frankly I already have! Her professionalism, dedication, and no nonsense approach eased my uncertainties and nervousness throughout the process. Amy Shahan will be your fighter when called upon. She delivered an overall "good" experience through one of the most difficult times in my young life. I highly recommend Amy Shahan!
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09 Jun, 2015 by Peter
Amy is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. She is also a caring person who took the time to know me as a person, rather than just as a client. She is very professional and did an excellent job for me. I would recommend her highly.
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29 Aug, 2019 by Neicy
I absolutely love Ms. Kerr!! She came on as my attorney a few days before my trial and got me exactly what I wanted from my divorce. I can't thank her enough for what she has done for my child and I. I was completely stressed to the max and didn't know what I was going to do. She is my hero and cares more about you as a person, than what she can get out of you. If you need a great attorney, she is the one. THANK YOU!!
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31 Jul, 2015 by Kai
She is a great attorney. Looking to help others. And just a nice woman in general. I would definitely recommend her to people. Thank You Avvo.
-Kai
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06 Mar, 2015 by Lee
I tried handling my own personal injury a few years ago, thinking I couldn't afford to hire an attorney and to try and do it myself, but I got absolutely no where with the insurance company because they didn't want to pay my claim. They knew I didn't have an attorney and so they thought they didn't have to take care of my medical bills and for my pain and suffering. I have learned how much weight hiring the right attorney means in getting justice! I sure needed help and someone told me to go see Robert Kemp that had had great success with him, and I'm so glad I took this person's advice! You'll know after meeting him that you hired the right attorney! The insurance company sure paid attention when Robert took over my case and he got me the compensation that I deserved. I am thankful for this wonderful attorney!
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03 Mar, 2015 by Ovee
Robert Kemp is a very knowledgeable and champion attorney! He truly cares about his clients and treats you with respect, and fights hard for your rights! He knows how to get things done! I signed some papers that I should not have, and it would have ruined my life, as well as my family! Thank you Robert Kemp for taking care of this nightmare and for giving us back our life!
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18 Sep, 2019 by Alexxis
Melissa is the best lawyer to have on your side! She fought for me to get custody back for my kids after a CPS case. And I got my kids back after years of dealing with other lawyers who done nothing, she got it done!!..she really cared about me not just my case..she made me feel important...I'm so thankful for her!! If u really need a great lawyer who really is committed to helping you...melissa is the lawyer you better have!!
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29 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I felt Melissa genuinely wanted to help me resolve my divorce and often guided me to better decision. She was very intelligent, professional, knowledgeable about the court process and accurate with the filings, submissions and follow through. She is definitely NOT like a lot of other awful attorneys who just want to run up the billable hours, present you with a nasty bill and still not resolve your issue. Melissa resolved my divorce in a timely manner with very reasonable costs.
I would recommend her highly and without reservations.
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12 Dec, 2014 by Client
Holly represented me in a custody matter, and she consistently went above and beyond expectations. In my extremely difficult case, she was able to strategically plan, identify what was important, and keep her eye on the primary goals and objectives of my case. At the same time, Holly took into account what was best for my child while paying particular attention and understanding to the budgetary guidelines. At the same time, she displayed real empathy for my situation and was consistently a champion during negotiations and court hearings. If you are looking for someone who is tactful yet tough when necessary, takes a personal approach in dealing with you as a human being, will staunchly guard your interests, and prides herself on taking the right path for your individual case, I would hire Holly immediately and without hesitation.
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05 Jun, 2014 by Tht
Holly is one of the best attorneys that I've work with. She is very quick and detailed; keeping your mind at ease through the difficult time of a divorce.
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26 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Katie is, in short, exceptional in every relevant area. In a complicated, high-conflict case with over a dozen attorneys involved (some with decades of experience and comments about the case, e.g.: "This is the craziest custody case I've ever seen"), Katie's handling of the case was consistently and uniquely remarkable (another lawyer referred to her handling of the case as "a godsend"). She stands alone in terms of: (a) Ability to sort through the noise of inundation, blame-shifting, triangulation, and a host of other crazy-making (yet persuasive) techniques that resulted in other attorneys becoming themselves bitter, scattered, or overwhelmed. At every step, Katie was even-tempered, striking a notoriously difficult balance in order to (i) strongly advocate for her client, (ii) figure out solutions that are objectively in the best interest of both sides, and (iii) minimize causing further inflammation and reactivity on the other side beyond what is necessary to improve the situation (this is exceedingly rare and challenging to perfect in high-conflict cases). (b) Dedication and diligence--Katie read and remembered every single page of every single document (thousands of pages). She was always on top of every issue and anticipating/preempting potential future issues, and most notably, she will never sacrifice her own commitment to objectively evaluating evidence (extraordinarily rare). This has a variety of important implications, some of which will be covered later in the review. (c) Support within GoransonBain--(i) paralegals and support staff are also uniquely exceptional, and (ii) other attorneys in the firm have expertise in specific areas --Katie and GoransonBain overall know when to research, when to coordinate with others, when to distribute tasks, and from what I can tell, how to manage caseloads. This set of features is both rare and often overlooked when choosing a family law attorney/firm, but in the big picture, affects every other characteristic and adds up over time. (d) Court-presence--hard to explain, but you'll know when you see it, especially if the case has been going for some time and you've testified at hearings before. (e) Credibility: given all of the other factors (and more than can fit in this review), it is pretty clear that she is well respected in all directions. (f) Ability to deeply understand and translate client-concerns, to help manage interacting with the other side (and help you learn over time how to do it on your own), and to provide feedback that is simultaneously supportive and candid (this is also rare and far more challenging than it may seem at first). Overall, each of these features fit together in such a way that if you are familiar with Bill Eddy and his suggestions about what to look for in an attorney, Katie embodies it. This case had been previously referred to as "unsettleable", "a nightmare", "in over 20 years of doing this, I've never seen x before", and so on. Once Katie took the reins, each email, motion, and hearing was strategically used to deflate the high-conflict balloons above our heads in the big picture, and we settled within six months. The custody outcome really is best for myself, the kids, and even my ex-spouse, and there's so much less hostility. Prior to Katie and GoransonBain joining, I didn't think it was possible. I cannot overstate the extent to which I am grateful.
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24 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Katie Flowers is a great lawyer. When I decided to get my divorce my baby was a month old and I had so much to deal with. Due to the age of the kids and our work and religious obligations, we were not a cookie cutter case. Katie thought of everything, considered things that I hadn't even imagined. She didn't bluster, she didn't make empty threats. But she considered every angle and we were able to craft an agreement without setting foot in a court room until it was time to sign the final papers. I would strongly recommend her to anyone.
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02 Aug, 2023 by Tomas
Ken & Brittany were more than just my legal representation; they were my guiding lights during a challenging time. Their expertise, compassion, and unwavering support not only helped me through my legal troubles but shaped my life in profound ways. I'm deeply grateful for their efforts and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal help.
Best,
Tomas Nieves
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25 Mar, 2022 by Scott
Kenneth Ray Moore Jr.
I can’t speak highly enough about the services I received from Attorney Kenneth Moore. He has been working my child custody case(s) for over three years and his service exceeded my expectations. Any time I needed him was there for me. Mr. Moore guided me through process after process with a professionalism and kindness that was unexpected but cherished. I always felt comfortable around him. Kenneth went out of his way to make sure that I as a client had everything I needed as far as Court room prep, the wind down information process afterward, what was still to come and what we both needed to be ready for.
The end result was exactly what we wanted and what I expected from Mr. Moore. I can’t offer more than to say as an Attorney Kenneth Moore is above the pale and a wonderful human being to boot!
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18 Nov, 2014 by Barry
My wife's sister passed away unexpectedly in Dallas, Texas. There was no will so the estate went to probate. We live in Ohio which meant the process needed to be handled through correspondence. The pleasant and professional communications we had with Dawn made a difficult situation much more tolerable. To have an honest representative in Dallas overseeing my sister in law's estate meant a lot to the family.
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02 Aug, 2012 by Anonymous
Atty Dawn Fowler was recommended to me when my divorce was finished but nothing was being executed per my original decree. I needed someone who could give me sage advice and help everything come to a fair and equitable resolution. She was always very steady when everything got tense and always had my children's best interest at heart. I know that my children are better off because she was my attorney, and I know everything is now fair to both parties. I highly recommend Dawn Fowler.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Georganna is an outstanding attorney, she is extremely knowledgeable with the laws, very professional and supportive in helping you any way she can with your case.
I hired her as my appellate attorney and she did a wonderful job in dealing with an extremely messy, and emotional case and at the same time very supportive and caring.
You won't be sorry you hired her, she is fantastic.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Georganna is a intelligent, thoughtful and patient attorney. She understands the complexity of the law and worked diligently, above and beyond the call of duty, for me. From my first interaction with her through the end of my case, I was thoroughly satisfied.
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14 Jun, 2016 by Liz
Cynthia is an amazing attorney. Talk about someone that will fight for you in court and never stops being relentless, that is Cynthia. She has excellent experience, she deals directly with her clients, there is no passing the buck to her paralegal, etc. She is hard working, if she says she is going to do something, believe it! My family and I hired her to take my brother's case and we couldn't have been happier with the outcome. She really knows her stuff and she is well known. She is honest and caring. Hands down, the best attorney I have ever dealt with, I highly recommend her.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
My family member was accused of a crime near Lubbock Tx and incarcerated . He was beaten and sent to the hospital while in police custody. They had no proof and no witnesses whatsoever and he was humiliated just because he was illegal. Cynthia took our case and within a month all charges were dropped and deported. She's the best! She has also helped my other family members and we appreciate everything she has done for us and my father (Jaime Gzz) will forever be grateful .
Thank you Ms.Barbare
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19 Jan, 2015 by Holli raemhild
Cynthia is great! She takes things into her hands and immediately starts working on them. She always responds with quickness and if she doesn't have an answer right away she will get it! I can't thank her enough for her high level of education and expertise in the law field. If you’re looking for a great attorney you have found her!!
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14 Aug, 2014 by Shantée
I highly recommend Cynthia for any family law matter! Her knowledge and expertise is invaluable. Cynthia gets results and she cares about her clients. I'm still singing her praises several years later. Cynthia is the first person I call on for legal advice. She is the yardstick by which all other family law attorneys are measured (in my opinion). Forever grateful.
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15 Nov, 2018 by Brandi
Lindsey did an amazing job! She and her staff were incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. She explained the process thoroughly and answered all of our questions. I would recommend her to any of our friends and family without hesitation.
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09 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
After having endured some pretty negative experiences with other lawyers, I found Lindsey. Her professionalism, genuine concern, and integrity made ALL the difference in the world for me. Her legal expertise and wise discernment literally was the difference of life and death for me and my child. Lindsey went above and beyond to ensure a successful outcome to our suit. I will forever be appreciative to Lindsey for her diligence in serving us. It is not an understatement to say that we couldn't have done it without her. I would recommend Lindsey to everyone I know! Thank you, Lindsey!!!
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27 Dec, 2018 by Erica
Dealing with a very difficult custody case and Alexis was very open to educating me on the processes and not getting irritated with me, when I would look up case law and ask questions. She has been very helpful in reminding me of the "Big Picture" when I would lose focus. She worked hard on the case getting results that I needed. I have recommended her to others for services and I can not brag enough about her empathy and exemplary professionalism when dealing with other attorneys and witnesses involved in the case.
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30 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
A very caring passionate lawyer who cares about her clients and their needs
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28 Aug, 2015 by Robin
Ira is a great listener. He asks important questions to help his clients better understand their goals.
He is always kind and compassionate.
He has advised our family on important matters for over twenty years.
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26 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Silverman helped my father prepare a will, trust and related documents. After my father died, Silverman handled probating the will and helped with estate and trust administration. I can't say enough good things about Silverman and his office. The work was done timely, for a reasonable price and was of the highest quality. I have worked with several lawyers over the years. Silverman is one of the very few who returned calls promptly and took a genuine interest in both my father and me. I can give him my unqualified recommendation.
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15 Apr, 2020 by Jody rae
The process was quick and easy. After the consultation, we were able to get the will fully executed 2 weeks. It would've been sooner but I had a conflict. I explained that I needed the documents quickly and she made it happen. Thanks!
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20 Feb, 2020 by Jessica jones
She was awesome. She processed my divorce quickly and at the most reasonable price around. I'm so glad I found her! I would highly recommend her office for your legal needs!
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06 May, 2013 by Ken
Lauren was very straight forward with her approach to handling my divorce. Everything went exactly and she had explained that it would.
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30 Jan, 2016 by Leonard
Got 2yrs probation, stood behind me till the very end fought hard and strong to push the truth and facts against all odds in a case where the DA and the investigatING officer who was bias and failed to do his job was lying to cover up his misjudge mentioned and bigatry, he accomplished the ultimate goal of no prison time by get the information to the jury that was necessary to make a just decision
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12 Jul, 2014 by Lee
All the above and incredibly kind!
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26 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Kauffman has a fantastic grasp on business, family and real estate law. I have used his services in all three areas and can say that his background and knowledge is unmatched in comparison to any other attorney I have come into contact with. He is very thorough, knowledgeable, experienced, and effective and has made a great difference for my business and my personal peace of mind. Highly, highly recommended.
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26 Jun, 2017 by Sean
Attorney Morgan is extremely kind and helpful. Her approach and attention to your case will hopefully make one of the most stressful parts of your life be less painful. I am glad I found her. Highly recommended if you have to go though this unfortunate journey of your life.
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26 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Mr. Herrera has been my attorney for about 10 years. He alsways does a great job at a reasonable price. He has saved me a bunch of times. I am very grateful to him.
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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.
