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26 Sep, 2024 by Christie
I was facing a felony charge she was very confident in getting my case dismissed and she did exactly that she is very good at her job
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02 Aug, 2024 by Jennifer
Seeking a divorce attorney was very challenging. I needed an attorney who could work with a complex process. My first attorney failed me - he declined to seek out a VITAL portion of my MSA! Frustrated and spent (one year of time and many dollars wasted), I declined to agree with the substandard MSA, and instead pushed myself to seek better representation. After a long and scrutinizing search, I came across Mandy Caffee's office. I made a phone inquiry and felt very encouraged, so I drove the miles to meet her. Mandy was professional, organized, and kept me encouraged, even as I explained how my first attorney let me down. Mandy understood I lived a distance from her office, so she made sure I could communicate easily with her - she upheld this 110%! After two years, and two attorneys (Mandy Caffee as my 2nd), my divorce was finalized. Mandy was professional, well organized, driven, and fierce. She validated my concerns, dug deep into a newer process (all while being open and honest with the progress), and made sure I wasn't walked on by my ex-spouse. I left the courtroom feeling confident in the new and well improved MSA , as well as my life moving forward. I can't imagine how things would have been if I simply settled with the outcome from my first attorney. Mandy made sure I would thrive independently, so I highly recommend her to others! I am thankful and grateful to Mandy Caffee and her assistant!
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16 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I was looking at a felony an by the time I hired her an wasn’t even barley in my case they had dropped it to a misdemeanor then when went to court she done a really good job an helped me out a lot if it wasn’t for her I dont know what I would have done I would use her everytime I needed to
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16 Feb, 2022 by Kristopher
Little background on why I giving a review for George E. Miller. Two years ago (2020) I was accused of a crime I DID NOT commit. He became my attorney for that case. He went to bat for me, looked at 3000 pages of evidence, 10k+ of messages between the person accusing and myself, Him and his office kept me updated on everything. Mr. Miller even took a fine by the court to make sure he got everything in to help my case.. As not taking any deals the D.A. offered, I took my case to trial.. As the jury came back with a not guilty verdict. I was truly blessed to have an attorney to put in countless hours and believe in me. High quality work, George Miller is not only a great attorney, but he is down to earth. Looks at you as an equal. Never once I ever felt uncomfortable talking to him. He treated me like a friend. Not just a client.
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19 Mar, 2018 by Marcia
George Miller is an incredible attorney who fights for the best interest of his clients. With George as my attorney I was able to win the jury trial, ensuring that the truth prevailed. He is passionate about defending his clients. I highly recommend him and would defiantly hire him again.
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15 Jan, 2018 by Lenny
I have found George E. Miller to be an outstanding criminal defense lawyer, as fine as there is out there. He is very intelligent and dives into all the details of any given case. Very committed he is for sure. I highly recommend George E. Miller and his staff.
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10 Jan, 2021 by Timothy smith
Travis Goetz was my attorney on a revocation, when my day in court came we both felt he had aced it,however we lost, but Travis continued to fight for me, and won my appeal, winning an appeal is VERY RARE....THANKS TO TRAVIS GAETZ IM A FREE MAN!!!
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27 Oct, 2020 by Dc
Very professional made himself available at all times Consulting me via email immediately what the extra mile even when you didn't have to articulate well versed. I want to thank him again doing a great job highly recommend
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25 Sep, 2020 by David
I was given me. Gaetz from the public defenders office, he consolidated two issues into a workable agreement , he explained and I fully accepted. Go for it and give me. Gaetz a opportunity, he knows what he is doing . I win my revicatiin hearing, I repeat I win my revicarion hearing , nit many people do, thanks Travis, his courtroom antics worked out . Thanks again Travis greatly appreciated
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07 May, 2021 by Jordan nortman
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23 Mar, 2021 by Josh danielson
Fast to respond to all inquires and very professional. A breeze to work with!
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09 Aug, 2024 by Shari trachsel
Bye, Goff and Rohde are a wonderful law firm. They care about one and take the time to get to know one. Thank you Christina Wirth, Ellie Goff and staff.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Brittany
My divorce process was almost 2 years long due to the other side being difficult, and almost entirely impossible to work with at times. Michelle not only stuck it out with me, but was very professional and always knew what to do and had a plan for any obstacles that came our way. She is very knowledgeable and very realistic when going through possible outcomes, and also very compassionate while explaining tough situations. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is in need of a divorce attorney!
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03 Jul, 2024 by Nancy bystrom
Brian Laule and his team worked hard for a successful resolution of my case. They were very thorough and professional, but were always available to me when I had questions. Very kind, respectful, and generous with their time. I have not one complaint. These folks are simply the best. I highly recommend them!
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29 Sep, 2024 by Rachel marthaler
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13 Sep, 2024 by Vince maro
Stepahanie was both professional and friendly. We really enjoyed working with her. We won't hesitate to contact her as we need.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Tim geraghty
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29 Jul, 2024 by Winona terry
I would recommend this law firm to handle any situation professionally and timely.. They answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Christina dixon
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16 Jan, 2024 by Dyan jones
Awesome service . Very professional and highly recommend. They took the time to explain everything and very patient .
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16 Jul, 2018 by Karen
Heather was honest, hardworking on my case, compassionate and very knowledgeable. An excellent attorney and wonderful person to go through such a difficult time with. I have referred her to many people and will continue to do so!
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11 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney Pauls was an absolute gift after having battled previous custody issues using a different attorney. We had called her office several years earlier and the impression I got from her assistant Sarah, always stuck with me. I knew we should have hired Heather at that moment. However, for whatever reason, we didn't and had ended up with a terrible attorney. A few years later, we found ourselves in need of an attorney to go back to court and our first phone call was made to Heather. Our case dealt with a teenage boy choosing to come live with his father instead - which involved also having a G.A.L. attorney appointed. Heather is very knowledgeable, professional, kind, listened to our questions/concerns. Heather and Sarah were very quick to respond back with a phone call or email. She was very upfront on all of our options and the possible outcomes, what to expect, and what we should do to prepare. Her sense of humor helped my husband relate to her, and relax, during the stressful times. We are so very pleased with how our case was handled by Heather and her assistant Sarah - they know so much and take the stress out of everything!!! Honestly, if our case turned out not in our favor, we would still recommend her based on our previous experiences with a different attorney - the quality of her work exceeded our expectations 1,000 times over. If you are looking for a family law attorney, you would be an idiot not to hire her!
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29 Jun, 2017 by Kelly
My circumstances led me to needing to find a different lawyer. I was completely stressed and worried. I felt that no one had my back. I was devastated from my inevitable divorce. A friend recommended Heather. From the moment i called and spoke with Sarah at this law firm, i knew i would be in good hands. She was professional and resourceful. She answered all of my questions and I set up a time to meet Heather. The day i met Heather was the day i started to feel less anxiety. She was so kind and professional, and she had a calming presence. We talked and i knew i would hire her. Heather really cares about her "people" and she is quick to answer questions and lessen worry. She is very professional and knowledgeable. She restored my sanity and walked with me through the most horrible heartbreaking time in my life. I am very thankful I was recommended to her. I would highly recommend Heather.
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18 Aug, 2016 by Margarite
Emily Long assisted me while pursuing a divorce. However, much of her dedication and support superseded any reasonable expectations. Emily was a central figure in pursuing my wellness and fair and reasonable expectations from others. She represented me in various criminal offenses and legal actions regarding my mental health. Emily aided me in providing me in chance to begin again.
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15 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Emily was very helpful at every phase of the divorce process, both in being knowledgeable of the law and in her handling of the people & emotional aspects involved. She also worked very efficiently so that costs did not become a burden. I would work with her again and would not hesitate to refer to her. I was very satisfied with her results.
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12 Jun, 2016 by Mary
I hired Emily to represent me in my divorce based on Avvo reviews. At my first meeting she told me to start to pay my estranged husband's bills, her opinion was that I would be paying them in the end anyway. She gave in way too easily, I don't feel she fought hard for me, I also found her to be condescending. I would not recommend her.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Greg rugland
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bill k
Jeff is a Great Guy to work with !!
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08 Sep, 2022 by Theresa kreuzer
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14 Aug, 2023 by Greg rugland
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01 Apr, 2023 by Bill k
Jeff is a Great Guy to work with !!
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08 Sep, 2022 by Theresa kreuzer
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06 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Expensive, lazy, and doesn’t even know the law. Didn’t care about my situation and did nothing to defend me. Complete waste of money.
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27 Oct, 2014 by Greg
This attorney met all of the criteria for being competent, caring (to resolve my issues), and getting things done the way that I wanted them handled.
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10 May, 2017 by Kent
I had very good luck with Rita. She handled my case very well and outclassed the opposing lawyer. I felt very comfortable with her and felt she came to court very prepared. I would gladly use her again if a situation was ever needed again.
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06 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
not trust worthy. Takes weeks to return calls, does not follow up with questions/concerns. Have had to take multiple unpaid days off from work for court hearings after showing up at court I'm told that the dates have been changed however I have not received any notification from Mrs Raihle. I feel my time is not important to her, I would never recommend her to others!!
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30 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Rita appeared to care at our first visit. After I hired her, it would often take several days to a week before she would get back to me, and when she finally did, she did not answer all my questions. Worst of all, she filed paperwork and made appointments without even informing me she was doing so. Even the other party was upset about this. Perhaps she simply wasn't interested in my case; I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but this was my experience, and I'm grateful I had other alternatives--as in, an attorney who treats my case with utmost respect and careful attention.
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16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
We hired Ann for a very emotionally charged custody case. Ann was driven by money and several times unprepared in the court room and when she did speak she would not even know my child's name as she would call my child by another name. She did NOT represent nor fight for my childs best interests thus in one situation losing the argument that my 7 year old child should be picked up by his mother after school and allowing my child's fathers girlfriend of 3 months to pick my child up. She is completely self absorbed and will charge you outlandish fees and do nothing for you. Theres too many other attorneys out there... run from her or get ready to lose custody and all your money.
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19 Apr, 2015 by Gina
I hired her for a child support dispute. I was not happy with how she handled my case. She did not inform me of my options, and the course she took ended with my child's support being set at $126/mo. The next lawyer I hired was great, and my case ended with my child's support being set at $468. She wasted my time and money.
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09 Apr, 2013 by Daniel
I had a custody case which Ann handled timely and professionally. I really appreciated her help in the past so currently I've requested her services again today. You want her on you're side of the court room!
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02 May, 2022 by Anonymous
She is willing to lie to the courts she will lie to you. She cares nothing about you and your children. She wants you to fight with your ex becasue it’s more money for Her. When she feels you are low on money. Then it’s, “well, this is the best I could do and the possible outcome, it’s time to settle” STAY AWAY FROM HER!!!!
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16 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
In hindsight she dragged my divorce out for a couple years promising this and promising that.. and right as I was out of money she starting talking about how she did the best she could but thinks we should let it rest... I’m broke and my kids are miserable!
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption.
  2. How will you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved.
  3. What are the possible outcomes of my case?
    An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case.
  4. What is your approach to resolving disputes?
    Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals.
  5. How long do you expect my case to take?
    While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases.
  6. Who will be handling my case?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
  • Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
  • Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
  • Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
  • List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
  • Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

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