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05 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
We appreciated the excellent service the lawyer Ying Beher provided. It all went smoothly, and we eventually had our immigrant status successfully transferred. Recommend her service !!
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25 Jan, 2020 by Taufiq
She is very friendly and knowledgeable in her field. She responded quickly to my emails for the appointment. At the meeting she explained what to do and even after approaching to give her some consultation fee she politely denied.
I would refer her to friends and family in any of their need.
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27 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Ms. Beher immediately responded to my message/e-mail and offered advice regarding my response to a question on my application form for free! It was very convenient. She was very willing to help without any delays. I would recommend her to anyone looking for quick help with naturalization matters that do not require extensive amount of work.
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06 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Abood for several years so I was well aware of his work ethic, intelligence, and commitment. He handled my case seemingly without effort, and all the while assured me with confidence and positivity. I felt like I was in extremely capable hands. When I visited his office I was greeted by a friendly and helpful team. I am very satisfied with the outcome.
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25 Sep, 2017 by Michael
Andrew Abood saved my life. When he didn’t have the best answer possible, he reached out to the person who knew. He worked vigilantly to help my case work out the way it did. The best Christmas present I’ve ever had was when Andrew called me where I was detained and asked a question that could have easily waited until the holiday was over. His confidence instilled confidence in me, especially when I was down. He is the man for the job from coast to coast and will always be my family.
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16 Sep, 2017 by David
Little more than 25 years ago I walked into Andrews office with a some what complicated land deal / sub contract dispute. Well in a matter of days Andrew had the dispute resolved with both parties satisfied and relationship intact. Over the next 25 years he has helped me with numerous conflicts including business, Divorce, Estate, property and yes, DUI. I have always felt like we came out on top in every case. I have always referred my friends and family to him. I can honestly say that walking into his office that day was one of the best business / personal decisions I ever made.
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02 Oct, 2018 by Michelle
Karen was referred to me by another attorney that does not handle criminal law. That in itself speaks volumes as a trusted member in the legal community. She was able to keep me from seeing the inside of the court room and a criminal charge off my record. The communication before and after my court date was beyond amazing also. Her excellent counsel was very much appreciated and kept things in perspective during a somewhat stressful situation.
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04 Aug, 2017 by Rick
I am almost fifty years old and have never had a run in with the law. I had a momentary lapse of better judgement and was facing six months in jail at the behest of the complaintent which I had never met in my life. Long story short, attorney Karen Phillips was able to work with me and the county prosecutor to resolve the the case to all parties satisfaction.
I would highly recommend Ms. Karen Phillips as an attorney for anyone who is facing a criminal offense. She is very professional and effective and will treat one with the utmost respect.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Levi
I had a very serious case in which jail time was on the table and had Karen not been my lawyer, I couldn't have said that I wouldn't serve time. I was facing two felonies and a misdemeanor. Her experience and knowledge was a must with my case and her work ethic for me was next to none. She's very easy to talk to and someone that's very genuine, honest, trustworthy, and understanding. In a tough time Karen was there for me and my situation and was willing to work with me as my main residence is out of state, in California. When it was all said and done she worked out a deal that handed me probation with no jailtime and essentially my life back. What was such a hard case and even harder time, she always gave me the peace of mind. I wouldn't do it again without Karen. THANKS KAREN!
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21 Jun, 2022 by Nicki
I hired Barnet to do my divorce, he make the process super simple for me. He handled all of the paperwork and when it came to court, he just had me sign the papers and we were done! I recommend him to anyone who is looking for an attorney.
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06 Mar, 2020 by Alexis
Barnet is the best attorney you will ever have.
He has a huge heart and is always there for
You. He helped me through my divorce and FOC and was always there. He is amazing in the courtroom as well. I would recommend him to anyone.
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09 Apr, 2019 by Maricella
Awesome lawyer, really helped my court process go smoothly. Definitely would recommend him to anyone going through unfortunate situations like myself.
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22 Jun, 2022 by Robin
I was referred to Colline before she went out on her own. I followed her when she opened her own practice. Best thing I did. She was always there for me. We even communicated with each other while I was out of state. She handled everything perfect. I was awarded a nice sum from my husband (which I get every month) she never backed down. I consider her a friend not just my attorney. Highly recommend her services.
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28 Apr, 2021 by Julianne
Having already gone through the divorce process with a different lawyer I was left feeling taken advantaged of, underrepresented, just a dollar sign, and had a distrust in lawyers in general. Knowing that I would need representation again in the future related to custody issues I needed to find another attorney. I remembered an attorney that spoke at Second Saturday, an informational workshop for women dealing with divorce. Colline was the lawyer that spoke about the legal issues related to divorce and her passion and expertise struck me then enough for me to remembered her years later.
I felt understood and safe with Colline and this was so no easy task because of my prior experience with attorneys. She took the time to understand my case and situation more than anyone had done previously. She not only has impressive knowledge with family court and custody she also understands and is sensitive to the personal aspect of your case. Colline knew when to give me straight facts, that at times was challenging to hear and also when to be empathize with me as person and mother.
Her abilities to represent me in the court room were just as impressive as some of her other qualities already mentioned. She was prepared and organized with all the details of my case but what I valued even more was her passion to make sure my daughters and I had the best chance at a life without consent fear. My case was not a simple and I was consistently amazed at her drive to represent me in the best way possible. Colline was able to overcome what seemed like impossible barriers that allowed me to have the best outcome with my custody arrangement.
Having Colline on my side was the only thing that allowed me to not break during the most stressful time in my life. For this reason alone I recommend her to anyone that wants an attorney that will always put forth extreme effort, has impressive knowledge and judgement with the law, and cares deeply about you as a person. You will never feel like a dollar sign when Colline is your attorney.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Karl
I almost hate to give her a good review. She's pretty busy already and I don't want to share, kidding, She's an awesome attorney, down to earth and practical and I'm not a fan of lawyers. There are a lot of slimy, dirty, money grubbin' liars, oops I mean lawyers especially in the shitshow that is family law. Colline is none of that. A true diamond in the rough.
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06 Jun, 2019 by Claiborne
The court appointed Kelly to me and she did a fantastic job representing me and having my voice heard. My felony got dropped to only a misdemeanor and it won't be on my record thanks to her. She truly saved my life and I'm forever grateful for her and her commitment to her job.
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05 Dec, 2018 by Frank
I would think that one of the hardest things for a public defender is to balance the need to protect the rights of the client while, at the same time, recommending a plea which will result in the best outcome for the defendant. My son suffers from a mental illness, and was not aware of his circumstances when he became involved in a physical confrontation with a Sherif's department, resulting in being charged with a misdemeanor of Attempted Assault of a Police Officer. Kelly recognized this and was able to guide my son to a plea of "No Contest", knowing full well that he would not have a favorable chance with a jury trial should he plead "Not Guilty" as my son was wont to do. In this way, not only was the Judge and Prosecutor able to compassionately place the defendant on a 2 year probation program, inclusive of following a Community Mental Health recovery program, my son felt that he was not being forced to plead "Not Guilty" to the events of an evening that he can not fully recollect. I would highly recommend Kelly not only for her legal knowledge, but more importantly for her ability to recognize what is best for her client and possessing the ability to achieve this in a very delicate courtroom setting.
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06 Jun, 2018 by Jermaine
I would like to say that I would recommend Kelly Fletcher to all my friends and family that is in need of any legal issue..she was very professional and I could not ask for a better lawyer for doing my chapter 7 bankruptcy..
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27 Jan, 2023 by Jackie hughes
Jasmine,
She was the most responsible and trustworthy attorney. She is organized always ready for court. I enjoy her as a person and well versed in all areas of the law.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Nikki
Jasmine is very responsive and patient. She's understanding of the law and works very hard for her clients to also understand. Great work ethic! Highly recommend.
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01 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Going through a custody battle was tough and when I needed to hire someone and a consultation, I reached out to Jasmine. She reviewed my case and gave me great legal advice. We ended up settling out of court, but due to her family law knowledge I was able to negotiate a custody order that protected my children and was fair. I would use her again for any family law matter I find myself in,
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20 Oct, 2019 by Kelsey
Carrie was recommended to me by a friend, and was everything I had hoped for throughout my divorce and post-judgment issues. She fights for what YOU want, not what SHE wants. She listened to me, was clear, precise, and punctual. With her experience and expertise, I was confident having her on my side. I would recommend her to anyone.
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23 Mar, 2022 by Jeron
I don’t even know where to begin with having Ms.Hanna as attorney. One hopes the words chosen conveys all the sincerity. When the battle for my son was not looking good due the misrepresentation of my last attorney. I was thrust into a black hole and spiraled ever downward. My active mind went dormant and my existence felt meaningless. Self-loathing, self-pity, and self-destruction became the order of business. Then something remarkable happened; I became your client. Because of you Hanna, and your entire firm, I gained a safe haven, a voice, a coat of armor, and hope. Right from the start, you re-humanized you believed in my efforts of fighting for my first and only child. As time elapsed, you gave me inspiration and determination to reverse the spiral. And if that wasn't enough, through your efforts, you gave me a new life with my child! When you and the lead attorney Mrs.Cheltenham conference called me with strategies, and ethical outcomes, I was so overwhelmed and words escaped me. As a father fighting for his son all the way from Florida 1000+ miles away Thank you from the deepest recesses of my heart and the epicenter of my soul- for all you have done for me and will continue to do for others. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for all the care and concern you have shown me, and for working tirelessly to ensure that the law worked in our favor for my son and myself. If it weren’t for your analytical skills and knowledge, the matter wouldn’t have been settled by now. Thanks once again for your legal advice, time, and efforts.
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16 Apr, 2020 by Kyneth atwater
22 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
I received Braxton's card from a friend shortly after I was arrested for a DUI offense. I left him a message and he returned my call immediately. This was my second DUI, so I was very nervous that I would end up in jail for some period of time. Braxton was able to keep me from serving any time, and my fines were less than I expected. Throughout the entire process Braxton made sure that I was kept up to date on the progress of my case, significantly more so than the court appointed attorney I used for my first DUI. I have and would recommend using him to any of my friends.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Yiwen li
Amy is one of the best immigration lawyers I worked with. For the following reasons:
She cares deeply: Many immigration firms see immigrants as just another case or another workload, but behind every immigrant, there is a unique story. Amy sees this, she cares for her clients and their dreams, and she tries her best to help them achieve their immigration goals.
She is very knowledgeable and experienced in what she does: especially for the categories that need deep skill and expertise, such as O1, NIW etc. She understands the regulation, keeps up to date with changes, and pays attention to the nuances. She also tailors solutions for every case based on everyone’s different situation.
She has a strong sense of justice, and not afraid to discuss with the authorities and stand up for her clients to do what is best for them.
I recommend Amy to anyone who seeks a knowledge, capable immigration lawyer who cares, to be alongside their immigration journey.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Manal rahman
She is an amazing lawyer! She solved an extremely complicated case for us and was able to expedite the processing of our case in unprecedented time. We are so thankful to have found her and would recommend her for any and all immigration related questions!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Monica valle
After getting a recommendation to Amy's office for my particularly time-sensitive O-1B petition, Adriana Klemish, Associate Attorney, filed my petition to the government in record time. Adriana has truly mastered the art of the legal narrative, taking my experience and qualifications and translating them into an airtight legal case, which was quickly approved. She fully went above and beyond to understand the complexities of my field to best represent me.
I cannot recommend Adriana and Amy's office enough. The attention to detail, knowledge, and professionalism have left a lasting impression, and I am beyond happy to recommend them to anyone needing immigration law support. I would not go anywhere else!
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03 Jan, 2024 by Al chris
Augustin Law Offices was excellent to work with in developing our wills, power of attorney and other legal documents. Would highly recommend if you are in need of these types of services.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Carrie thorburn
Ernscie is a very detailed and thorough attorney who has a professional and at ease demeanor. Her staff and her were always professional, returned emails and phone calls in a timely manner. I felt heard and understood as she guided me through the legal process.
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16 Oct, 2023 by Michael wacyk
it was a great pleasure to work with Augustin Law Offices in obtaining the services I needed to get my affairs in order for my family. I will be using her services again.
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20 Dec, 2019 by Clinethia arrington
14 Sep, 2018 by Derek hackett
Lived in the apartments on the 2nd floor for 3 years. Affordable and cozy, even though the building is pretty dirty, especially the kitchen. The MSU Legal Clinic moved out of this building a little while ago. Some windows, and especially the back door have been broken by vandals, and the parking lot still needs a lot of work. However, these might just be the cheapest studio apartments in East Lansing
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03 Mar, 2017 by Ashley keller
20 Dec, 2019 by Clinethia arrington
14 Sep, 2018 by Derek hackett
Lived in the apartments on the 2nd floor for 3 years. Affordable and cozy, even though the building is pretty dirty, especially the kitchen. The MSU Legal Clinic moved out of this building a little while ago. Some windows, and especially the back door have been broken by vandals, and the parking lot still needs a lot of work. However, these might just be the cheapest studio apartments in East Lansing
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03 Mar, 2017 by Ashley keller
14 Aug, 2024 by Kristie ball
My experience with The Nichols Law firm was nothing short of amazing. They kept me updated and informed and gave great advice on making my experience the best it could be. Thank you!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Thurman
Jackee from the very first time I talked to him comforted and reassured me that my case was very winnable. Like most I wasn’t understanding the legal jargon jackee helped explain the laws and came up with a game plan that ultimately helped me win my case. I’m very happy to have went with jackee as my lawyer and would recommend him to anyone that needed legal counsel he’s a great lawyer and person.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Karolyn riggs
Mr. Nichols and his team saved my life in a recent criminal case. They not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and making sure I understood the next step. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through a painstaking process in my life. If it wasn't for him and his team, I don't know if we would have gotten the verdict we did, so it was a blessing being represented by Mr. Nichols.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kristie ball
My experience with The Nichols Law firm was nothing short of amazing. They kept me updated and informed and gave great advice on making my experience the best it could be. Thank you!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Karolyn riggs
Mr. Nichols and his team saved my life in a recent criminal case. They not only met standard goals of keeping me informed and making sure I understood the next step. They made me feel like I was a part of a family who had my back through a painstaking process in my life. If it wasn't for him and his team, I don't know if we would have gotten the verdict we did, so it was a blessing being represented by Mr. Nichols.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Brent
Mike is the guy you want in your corner. Incredibly responsive day or night, truly cares about his clients, and all-around great guy. Extremely fair billing and worth every penny.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Yeet yeet
Don't hire this guy or his people. They won't help you, will make fraudulent charges to make you pay more. He knew nothing about my case. And he costed me 30,000. Now I'm having to represent myself. I could never get him to show up at the office or call me back, it was always his slimball Noah that ran the office. Lucas didn't even know anything about my case. The office will set up appointments for Lucas to call and talk to you or will set up meetings and Lucas never calls, emails or show up for the meetings. You can have all the evidence in front of them. And they look the other way. A bunch of thieves they all are.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Griffsteph1
You represented a family member, but now we know it was the worst mistake we could’ve made hiring this firm! He has no ethics, violated constitutional rights repeatedly and he was disciplined for something from the attorney grievance associations. How you’re still working with people that need help is absurd. You should be held accountable for your actions. You can only do this for so long before you’re taken care of.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Robert milton
12 Jul, 2024 by Heather hosey
Katie Gabel was excellent, she got the best possible outcome for me. She explained everything so I knew what to expect and made me feel comfortable and confident in her skills. Thank you Katie!
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22 Jun, 2024 by Nate
Professional scamer. Bills for things not done, prolongs cases, not Professional, rude, does not respond, forgets everything, and spends more time threatening and trying to drop clients. Wife with no law degree was able to finish right after Lyke drops us. She allowed other side to turn in false documents and will believe other side before her own client. STAY CLEAR!!!
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17 Jan, 2024 by It’s me
I am very impressed with Lyke Law! Kristina is a fighter and has won many awards. She is professional, pays attention to detail, and aggressively fights for her clients! She helped me and went above and beyond to fight in court. I highly recommend her services!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Timothy p. flynn
If you are in the Lansing area, including Ingham County and the surrounding communities, please consider Pat Gallagher's law firm for your estate planning or probate legal needs. Mr. Gallagher is a trusted colleague of mine whom I've come to know in our capacities as Public Administrators. The Attorney General trusts Pat with administering decedent's estates when there are no other suitable fiduciaries. One of Pat's credentials that stands out is his AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubble since 2000. That means he has maintained the highest peer rating for experience, skill and ethical conduct for nearly a quarter Century. Your legal needs will be serviced by a consumate legal professional when you hire his law firm.
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29 Jan, 2024 by Tuesday pinckney
Awful. Lawyers that are really just conmen. Charge you your first born child for services.
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20 Nov, 2023 by Bj mcphall
This started out as a great place and had no complaints. The lawyer I had got a new job and left just before the divorce was finalized. Even though I had an issue with some items in the final judgment, I was told I only had an hour to sign the document. I was told that these can be fixed after the judgement was signed. However, when it came time to change the things, I was told by Carrie Huff that she can no longer help me with the changes. After talking to another lawyer, they wondered why the changes were not made before papers were signed. Now I am spending more money on a different lawyer to get this fixed when it should have been done before everything was over.
Update: It's been 3 months since I've seen my kids. This all could have been prevented when I was at Gallagher Law firm. It's like they don't care about you as a person.
Update: Another day in court. The judge commented that she was displeased with the wording in the final Judgement of divorce. Carrie Huff thought it was in my best interest to sign it without looking out for me. Still paying thousands of dollars to fix her mistake!
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03 Aug, 2024 by Nate socia
Had me send my stuff for the case over then ghosted me. Refused to answer my follow up calls.
I've seen these guys do great work before but that was when I was working in the courts and I watched them work for the high class of Lansing.
They're great if your the rich and elite but if your a normal person, they don't respect you enough to even follow through in basic communication.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Kevin majan
Called here and the guy who I talked to was so unprofessional ended up hanging up on me. Mam up!
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18 Jul, 2024 by Mary ann eyde daly
31 Mar, 2015 by Frances
Anthony Szilagyi is by far the most professional, diligent, tenacious, prompt, and compassionate professionals my wife and I have ever dealt with. Upbeat, optimistic, driven, this man never slows down. He will bust his back for his clients. Kind, caring, and a very giving man. Very patient and helpful in explaining things to us. Very easy to understand because he works hard to keep you the client fully informed. Thanks for listening, Frances.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
One of the best experiences with an attorney. Prompt phone calls back, easy to talk to, and really knows the law. Got me a great settlement in my employment case.
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26 Sep, 2014 by Jerry
Mr. Szilagyi is very professional and insightful. He’s very good at taking on a role that you need (i.e. won't come in with guns blazing if you don't want a completely aggressive representation, but will be aggressive when it benefits you), is knowledgable of the law, and is positive but realistic in presenting what you should expect as an outcome (i.e. doesn’t sugarcoat, doesn't just tell you what you want to hear). We did take our issues to court and prevailed. I recommend!
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25 Sep, 2017 by Traci
Went to see Foster for free consultation; was charged $550. Foster did not tell me his fees, nor did he state I would be charged for this consult.
As I was leaving, Foster stated he required at minimum a $5,000.00 retainer up front. I put on Discover Credit Card .
I was quickly handed and signed a GENERAL fee contract; nothing else on the contract pertained to me as I was Foster’s first SSDI Overpayment case; however, I felt he needed me to sign something. I did not know any better.
ONLY AFTER I signed the agreement ( months later ) when Foster tried claiming MY SSDI backpay did I realize the fee agreement was completed with additional X’s and other information days (someone else handwrote my phone number in etc.) after I left the office, not when I was present, and without my knowledge and consent.
To find out, Foster had boxes on the fee agreement X’d stating if my SSDI benefits were reinstated, he was entitled to 15%.
Foster was NOT hired to work on SSDI benefit reinstatement, he knew this, nor did he do one thing to assist in my SSDI reinstatement. Sen. DS's office was the ONLY assistance I received and integral part in getting my SSDI benefits reinstated. NOT Foster.
In fact, Sen. S mailed us both letters informing us of the progress of my benefit reinstatement; in turn, Foster would Re-mail them to me. AND, CHARGE ME for time put into mailing correspondence I already had!!!
From the time I hired Foster June 2015 to the end of December 2016, I COULD NOT get Foster to communicate with me about my case. I sent dozens of emails and made as many phone calls reaching out.
Foster ignored me for these 6 months. I spoke to him a couple times, maybe. Finally, I decided to fire Foster at the end of December 2016. I sent a letter firing him. Instead of acknowledging the letter, Foster DROVE all the way to SSA Livonia to “review files” for my overpayment case.
Foster allegedly spent 5. 5"hours at SSA Livonia and charged me (an indigent client) $1500.00. He never provided ANY receipts (or detailed account) when I asked for them nor was I given names of people he spoke to for the five hours.
Foster repeatedly charged me in blocks of time which he would not account for in detail.
I begged Foster for to be budget conscious on several occasions.
Foster did NOT need to drive to SSA Livonia b/c he had everything he needed regarding files; to date, Foster has failed to provide me or Discover Card a breakdown (Who he spoke too? What they spoke of for 5 hours?) of exactly what he did at SSA Livonia which would cost me $1500.00!
NOT ONCE did Foster consult with me before making TWO UNNECESSARY road trips equaling $2100.00 NEVER!!
Important to note, Foster charges for EVERYTHING. He charges for every minute detail of work done and even for calls completely unrelated to your case.
Foster NEVER went over his hourly rate or why he billed the way he did; I was ignored.
Because Foster ignored me for the first 6 months he had my 5K retainer, Discover Card stated I was too late to open a dispute case going after Foster for Fraud. According to Discover, there was nothing I could do?
Two weeks before my hearing is when I was notified Foster was claiming 15% of my SSDI back pay of which he never worked one day to get re-instated.
I received another letter from Foster claiming he needed an additional $1500.00 on top of the 5K retainer I gave him already, or he would not come to the hearing.
I refused and Foster did not show up at my hearing.
Richard Foster took my ENTIRE 5K retainer; I GOT ZERO.
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01 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I talked to Richard with regard to a complex litigation matter and he was very nice and knowledgable. He told me all about my case, my options and was quite honest about everything. I don't believe other reviews here reflect him as an attorney at all, I was very satisfied with my experience.
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01 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Worst possible choice for a lawyer. I suffered a medical injury and became disabled. Unable to pay my mounting bills, I went to this man to help me file bankruptcy. He reassured me that if I completed the paperwork that he gave me it would cost me the $1200 retainer fee and be done in three months. It has now been 7 months and I have no idea when this will be concluded. He failed to provide the court with the correct paperwork (Declaration of Electronic Filing) and then billed me for his staff contacting me and the emails to get the signature to him again. Every time you email the office and get a response there is a charge for the secretary to write the email and then billed again for him to review it - REALLY!? If you call to see what the hold up is - you get billed for that. He also failed to let me know that I could include him in my bankruptcy filing and now owe him another $1200 (a total of $2400)! I got a notice from the lender about my car loan. I was told by the secretary (who by the way was very nice) that they'd "take care of it" but failed to tell me that I would be billed for each and every minute and it was something that I could have handled on my own. I wasn't informed or given that option. When I got my first bill I contacted the office with my concern and was told "not to worry about it because I was a good client." Yes, I did sign the agreement and am now sincerely regretting it. I had an appointment with him on that day and was rushed out of the office because he agreed at the last minute to represent another attorney's client and had to leave to make the trip out of town. I didn't want to delay him, so I just signed the forms without fully reading them (I was also in pain and very uncomfortable sitting there). I should have taken the time to go through the paperwork more carefully. But I believed what he said and trusted him to keep his word. I have now found out that my trust was misplaced. If you are filing bankruptcy, go somewhere else, read ALL the forms no matter what pressure you are under (ask up front if you will be billed for every minute you spend reading the forms, if yes take them with you and them bring them back) and MAKE SURE that you understand the timeline.
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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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.
