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06 Jun, 2019 by Brit
Ms. Wood was referred to me by another law office that wanted to help me but could not because of a conflict of interest. As a former prosecutor with years of experience going hard and tough at criminals, she not only knows the law and how to practice it like a boss, but she is good to her clients and very protective. I’ve been up against a lying, thieving estranged family member who has destroyed the lives of so many people I love. I went to Valerie when I realized I was in way over my head in trying to make my case as a third-party defendant in a ridiculous contempt charge and in court, she presented everything necessary to reveal the truth. Both my family and I could not be more pleased that Valerie is the attorney we trusted with my defense and I would recommend her to anyone in Ohio, especially those who are really struggling with their opposition trying to gaslight them. She will always get to the truth! She puts 100% into all of her clients and is expedient in getting all court docs, subpoenas, and discovery to her clients and helping prep them for the next step in the process. I always felt like she wanted to take my case because she believed in me and knew I’d be railroaded by the opposition without getting the defense I deserved. It’s tough to find a good defense attorney with strong ethics and faith in the system; those who know how to practice law and not just manipulate it. Valerie will undoubtedly be an utterly indispensable asset to your defense team AND your support system. She has kept my spirits up throughout my ordeal and is so encouraging and supportive to survivors of abuse—I would have probably given up without her. A huge thank you to Valerie Wood and Jacob Kovach for their attention and swift actions taken in my case. Their brand of ethical defense strategies is unmatched.
Just a little about my case: I tried to stop a thief and a liar from defrauding a complete stranger (who was subpoenaed by opposition but showed up to testify in support of me instead), and attempted to stop said thief/liar from causing further harm to my family. Enraged I got in the way of his fraudulent transaction, he left the state where he was facing charges and came back to Ohio to try and battle me in court to escape jail time. This week, he showed his true colors in court and Valerie wowed me with her ability to strip away all the lies to reveal the truth. Valerie had a great understanding of how difficult it was for me to face the man in court who caused me great harm and suffering as a child, and was very sensitive to it and supportive. Having her beside me, I felt like a Stark in battle with my Direwolf right there to engage on my behalf. There may still be a long road ahead (he was taken away in handcuffs that day to be extradited back to the state he fled from), but I’m confident and feel safe with Valerie at the helm. I would strongly encourage anyone needing the legal services of Ms. Wood to contact her office immediately. I almost waited too long, thinking I could handle things myself, but I could not have been more wrong. I very much needed to retain a good defense and am blessed for being redirected to her to retain the best counsel in the state. I could not be more thrilled with the way she and her associates have handled my case. Veritas & Aequitas!
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26 Jul, 2021 by Judy steineck
Mr. Lovett was easy to talk to and answered all questions. Very professional with a nice way of making me feel comfortable. Great choice in lawyer. Many thanks to him.
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18 Jul, 2021 by Marilyn cole
Never got a call back as promised. Not sure how to rate.
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02 Jun, 2021 by Killroy jankins
Using Lovett & House was a very simple process. George Lovett explained and answered all questions thoroughly and simply without over complicating the process. He made sure all of our matters were handled appropriately including the small details, without brushing anything aside.
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10 Sep, 2024 by David beaudoin
This was my first time needing legal representation and I'm glad I went with Brian Muenchenbach. I had a favorable outcome and save big money in the end. Thanks again Mr. Muechenbach!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Daniel weaver
This law firm exceeded my expectations. Even though it was my first time in need of legal advice and guidance, Brian and his whole team were professional with a no nonsense demeanor. They were straight to the point, which I appreciate. They helped more than I could have imagined and made a stressful situation manageable, and were able to help me reach the desired outcome. Give them a call and know you’ll be treated with patience and integrity.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Keith kretschmar
Brian was was very professional and straightforward and honest the whole time. He took the time to explain everything going on and made no promises but was very pleased with the results. If you want a great attorney and someone who will go the extra mile for you Brian Muenchenbach is the attorney for you.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Craig
He had no interest in defending my case. All his interest was to strike a deal with the prosecution. I asked for a jury trial on 4 M4 charges and his response word for word was "I'm not taking this to a jury trial, that's stupid."
He told me at my first hearing "Let's get Discovery and we'll go form there" Two weeks later at my second hearing, "No discovery, let's schedule another pretrial." Two weeks after that, I called him the day before the pretrial and asked about the discovery he simply said "No." I asked him to file a Motion to Dismiss on grounds of The 6th Amendment, right to a speedy trial, and again a simple "No" I asked why not and he said "I signed a time waiver" I asked him "Why would you do that without my consent?" His response was, "I'll see you tomorrow" and hung up on me. The following day in court, he filed a motion to withdraw from my case, and lied to the judge saying that the repeated disputes over the phone was the reason for his withdraw. I talked to the guy 1 time on the phone through my entire case.
He also called me a "Jailhouse Lawyer" because I refused the deal that he made with the prosecutor and asked for a jury trial that he thinks is stupid.
My personal experience with Mr Borst is he has no interest in defending his client. He simply wants to make a plea deal and cash easy money checks.
Extremely unprofessional.
Nasty attitude.
Rude.
Disrespectful.
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12 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
He was a good man for our case. He worked hard for our case and our outcome was perfect.
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28 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I have not hired this attorney because I know two people who have. One friend was getting a divorce, this lawyer was late for court dates, didn't show up, and she was disgusted. He never returned phone calls, terrible service. The other person I know that used him said the same things. I did have a consultation with him, but after talking with my friends, I decided to go with a different attorney.
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24 Apr, 2021 by Chris
I feel as if I was sold out the morning of my final divorce hearing. I should have fired him and asked for a continuance. But I simply wanted the marriage to my adulterous, mentally, and physically abusive wife over.
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10 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
Maybe Gus was a shark back in the day, but he's old and needs to retire. I ended up firing him 3 weeks before my final hearing of an over 2 year custody battle. It was THAT bad. I kept saying to myself that he knows what he's doing, he's a lawyer for God's sake! But he didn't and I realized it a little too late.
Examples of his incompetence are still coming to light. He agreed on things without my consent/knowledge, filed motions without my consent/knowledge, and asked for continuances without my consent/knowledge.
He never relayed any, I mean ANY info to me. I always had to call his office and always had to talk to his secretaries who seemed bogged down themselves. When he did call me back I had to review my case with him because he couldn't keep his cases straight. When I finally did start to cop an attitude with him to get things done he would say ok, ok, I'm writing it down. Whether he did or didn't I'll never really know - my educated guess would be he didn't.
When I hired my new attorney he informed me that he had to go to the courthouse (which was not close to where he lived or worked out of) and get copies of numerous missing files that were supposed to be in my file that Gus released to him.
I was told by Gus that he would subpoena bank records and other things for discovery. When my new attorney got my file there was NO discovery done whatsoever. Given that I only had 3 weeks until this final hearing of a VERY protracted case, there was no time to do new discovery. I was enraged at this point.
I ultimately lost my case and am currently appealing. I believe that his incompetence contributed to my losing the case. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, MONEY, ANYTHING on this man.
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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.
