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14 Aug, 2024 by Todd
I can't tell you enough how this man IS the future of Great Defense Law. He always kept me positive throughout my case. He got it squared away and put to the books Dismissed,I never had to say more than Thank You in court. Listen,life throws you some crazy curve balls when or if this happens to you.Call this man. Your welcome in advance.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Retiredmco1199 “god is good!”
Today August 8th 2024 I had attorney Hannah B. Shupe draw up my will. Hannah was extremely professional, thoughtful and sensitive about this. After all who REALLY likes to think about their demise? But Hannah asked all the right questions and expressed my wishes perfectly. I couldn't recommend her more. Frank from Butler Tennessee.
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21 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Chris Rogers did a wonderful job representing me and making sure I felt I got my moneys worth. I highly recommend him ! He is great with communication and will definitely put in the work to prioritize you as a client.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa cooper
I filed contempt and paid my lawyer on 5/19/23. He is the same lawyer who filed my divorce. It took forever but we finally got mediation scheduled on 4/17/24. I texted him the night before to make sure everything was good to go and he had his assistant email me to tell me it had been canceled because he had been in a car accident and hasn’t been cleared to come back to work and they had already told my ex and his lawyer it was canceled. So I was like ok I hope he feels better soon. I messaged her on 4/23 to see if they had an estimate on when he was coming back and she replied on 4/26 saying she didn’t know. I messaged her again on 5/17 requesting an update and she still said he has not been cleared to come back to work on 5/23. I messaged her again on 6/5 requesting an update or my mo ey back so I can hire a new lawyer and she informs me on 6/15 he is actually in a mental health institution with very limited access to his phone but he should be getting out in a couple weeks and she would speak to him on. I messaged her again on 8/6 with no reply yet. I texted him on 8/7 with no reply. I called his business on 8/13 and it said it was temporarily unavailable. I called his cell and it went straight to voicemail. I went to his office and it was closed. I messaged the BAR association and he replied confirming everything. I asked for my money back and he says he was working hourly and that I had exhausted all of my funds. When I met him it was 2500.00 for the mediation along with filing fees and mediation fees. If we had to go to court it was going to be at an hourly rate. If anyone else is going through something like this with him please message me.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Russell winchester
Giovani handled my case and everything went smoothly. He responded to my inquiries quickly and his team was pleasant to work with.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Christian baker
Brandon, Whitney, Tom, and Giovanni are an amazing team! They are all extremely punctual and will stop at no means to make sure you are satisfied with the services you receive. Brandon is extremely knowledgeable and is an amazing confidant, who will guide you through your uncertainties and help you understand the process fully. Whitney responds very quickly and is great at what she does for the firm. Tom had no issue tweaking paperwork exactly to my liking, and crunching numbers for me to get things right and ready for court. Giovanni is a man of his word, if he tells you he will make contact or get something done… he will. In fact he will do it quicker than you think. This whole team has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and I recommend them as reliable, trustworthy, and true to the cause attorneys/law experts. Do not look any further, you have found the team for you!
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19 Jun, 2024 by Highland country
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15 Feb, 2024 by Tessa stines
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14 Sep, 2023 by Sandra smithey
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26 Jun, 2024 by Curtis walter
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23 May, 2024 by Catherine morrell
BEWARE! Ms. Buck was very kind during our initial consult and rushed us to begin the paperwork. We paid a $1500 retainer and made special arrangements to sign paperwork. Once the fee was paid the kindness stopped! I called 5 days later and many times after only to be met with Nancy (Misty Bucks assistant) being rude and raising her voice to me because I asked why paperwork had not been filed with the court. I gave them another chance after I was assured the paperwork would be filed only to find 5 days later that the paperwork was still in their office and not filed with the court. I found my way to their office to get my retainer back and find a reason for the failure only to receive more unprofessional behavior from Nancy who guarded her conversation with Ms.Buck & finally received a pathetic apology from only Nancy while Ms. Buck sat in her office only a few steps away. In my short time there I witnessed Nancy discuss clients and make openly rude comments about them as well. I should have taken this behavior as a sign but thought she was having a bad day only to hear her do the same thing again today. Contacted another attorney after my experience only to find out this is common occurrence within Ms. Bucks office.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Randall “randy” ledford
She wasn't interested in my case
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19 Jun, 2024 by Highland country
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04 Jun, 2024 by Jeff's detecting and variety channel
I highly recommend Regina Shepherd she always takes the time to meet face to face for a meeting upon request she is very informative and always takes the time to return your calls...she worked very hard on my case she is a great attorney
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15 Feb, 2024 by Tessa stines
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12 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
She took my money and avoided me. She did not communicate. She was extremely unprofessional. She signed court documents without notifying me first. She called on her way to mediation the morning of the mediation I knew nothing about. She is awful and unprofessional. She lost mediated agreement and i showed up to her office twice to sign it. Months later the mediated agreement still was not filed with the court.
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03 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I met with Kristi today and hired her. She was very professional and spent over an hour discussing my case with me.
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14 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Johnson does her job well. She basis your case on proof and facts. She does everything she can to defend her client even if you don't realize it. After over a year and what seemed like endless court dates she proved to be hands down one of the best. She will always do her job no matter what. If I had to choose over again I would choose Kristi all over again even with all the bumps in the road.
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30 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. LaPorte was hired to protect two minor children in state custody. Mr. LaPorte failed to check on the minor children, investigate alligations that put the children's lives in danger. He did not have the children's best interest at hand. His services were mediocre at best.
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13 Oct, 2018 by Kathryn
He helped me so much with my case in getting my children back. He let me know everytime something happened and made sure I understood everything. Will be using him again soon.
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09 Feb, 2023 by Denise tindell
Attorney Lenihan is a great listener, moved quickly & was very professional with me. I will definitely utilize his services again if I have any legal matter that he is willing to take on.
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09 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Mr. Lenihan was hired to represent me in two legal matters. He was repeatedly unresponsive to texts, emails and phone calls regarding questions about my cases. When I did receive answers, they were vague at best. Then here is the kicker and the best part, 7 days before my court date he decides to remove himself as my counsel by sending a letter to my office, which I don’t go to every day, not my home! Leaving me to scramble to find a new attorney before my court date in 7 days! I would NOT recommend him. You should have an attorney who is responsive and reliable.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Michelle
Thankful for having him as my lawyer. He worked hard on my case and helped me out alot. Definitely would use him again. Thanks for everything.
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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:

  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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