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05 Dec, 2019 by Thomas
From the first call to Mr. Duquette to our final resolve of our case with the Village of Williams Bay Mr. Duquette made my wife and myself feel as though we had nothing to worry about, as the Village of Williams Bay did not understand the law as the Village had written it. At the Village board of zoning appeals Mr. Duquette was able to explain the law to the board of zoning appeals. We stood before the board with Mr. Duquette and the board finally realized it was probably in their best interest to allow for our variance due to many mistakes that were made by the Village Building Commissioner and the board of zoning appeals lack of knowledge of the laws they way they had written them. Could not have accomplished this WIN without James Duquette. His staff and James were are very responsive and James is on target with our need and ready to assist us in the future if we should need his services again.
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02 Feb, 2018 by Kearney
Mr. Duquette did a fantastic job. Very easy to get a ahold of and very helpful. He was perfect when we had to go to supreme court.
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23 Feb, 2015 by Harvey
From my initial consultation through the entire legal process, Attorney Duquette was right on target. He and his staff were proficient, professional and thorough. Attorney Duquette kept me in the loop and made a deal for me that was palatable and acceptable. He also came in slightly under budget to boot. I recommend Attorney Duquette for any criminal defense, or other case, you may need his assistance with.
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16 Aug, 2019 by Joe
A divorce is a difficult thing. Kelly made me feel comfortable from the moment I first spoke with her. She was always prompt in returning messages. i had heard stories of some lawyers that are just after a buck. I never felt that from her. She clearly explained all options and what to expect at the proceedings in clear and simple terms. She clearly knows her trade well. kudos also to her assistant Sandy Odegaard for her hard work. She kept me abreast of court dates, hearings, and communications with my ex's lawyer. They are also both genuinely nice people and I would happily recommend them to a friend.
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27 Apr, 2016 by Brendan
Kelly came highly recommended by another lawyer. I engaged her services for a difficult custody battle, and never regretted the decision. If anything, I felt bad for the opposing counsel, and would occasionally think, "I wonder what this would be like if Kelly had a real opponent?"
Kelly was pretty much everything you want in counsel. Knowledgeable, efficient, determined, concise, and just generally a kick-ass lawyer. On top of which, she was an approachable and reasonable human being. Cannot recommend her too highly.
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19 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Kelly was recommended by another lawyer. I wasn't familiar with her work, but quickly realized I had been fortunate in my selection. My best interests were always represented, and she is very aware of your situation at all times.
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09 Aug, 2016 by Cynthia (rainey) dargitz
I hire the Julie Nommensen and her father David. My estate case went on for 3 years, the opposing party appealed (appeal stayed in me favor) They did everthing possible to make it so. They are precise, factual, knowledgeable on the law, attorneys come to them for answers.
They take on your issue as though is was their own. Open communication, knew everything as it was happening. Extremely helpful, supportive, kind, good souls
Best attorneys, I would rehire them.
I was very blessed they represented me.
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18 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Julie helped me update my Will and estate plan. She was caring and knowledgeable, and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand and appreciate. Her prices were also very reasonable. I recommend her to all of my friends.
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13 Jan, 2012 by Barbara
Randall is an excellent listener, yet knows how to cut off any rambling to help keep discussions on task and from needlessly escalating legal fees. He helped me stick to the main points and not get distracted by time-consuming wasted efforts. He wisely got necessary depositions from witnesses and got on record the points necessary to build my case. He guided me through mediation (failed due to the other party) and through a two-day trial where he demonstrated the facts on my side and poor credibility in my opponents. The judge ruled in my favor, and Randy's brief was so excellent that the judge awarded me embezzlement monies on top of ruling in my favor on the real estate dispute. I heartily recommend Randall Leece as a Real Estate attorney.
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04 Feb, 2010 by Jean
Attorney Danz has handled a child custody case, potential criminal case which resulted in no charges being filed, and a professional licensure issue for me. Additionally I have recommended Danz to employees who have used him with highly positive results. His fees are very much in line with other area attorneys. He has argued before the State Supreme Court and has a background in law enforcement as well as being the former DA for 15 years in Walworth County. I am an area business owner, and highly recommend
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16 Aug, 2022 by Joshua manley
It was good
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20 Feb, 2017 by Bryce carnes
22 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Hired at 325$ an hour with expectations he'd be motivated, diligent, and accurate was not what I received. He had to be reminded constantly that I was waiting patiently for action. Which I got charged for. He waited so long to act he lost track of details. When asked why he didn't submit documents, he didn't feel it was necessary. He consumed money by making mistakes, I had to correct, then charged me. Failed to gather ALL information given to him so he had to correct and reserve 4 ppl and amended court documents costing me more money. Overall, I wasn't impressed. He was fired, showed up to court anyway then charged me. He must be hard up for $$$. That he has to take money from a single woman that has a limited income to fatten his wallet. This is my perception of my 10month encounter with Steve and $7,000+ dollars later. It took Steve over 9 months to get a court date. Documents only require 20 days to respond. Thats a lot of wasted time. Steve was hire in Feb. I was expect to have the house on the market in the spring. His lackadaisical approach is frustrating. Emails were written and a special meeting was made to get my point across.
Steve didn't need my signature to withdraw from my case. Him showing up for court was an obligation to the court system not me, as he no longer was my employee. He charged me for drive time and the time he waited to tell the judge he was terminated. He's not a stand-up guy in my book.
My advice, go somewhere else.
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27 Jun, 2022 by Beth
I have seen both sides of this law firm; the courtroom side and the client side. Attorneys Koch, Duquette, and Renz and their staff are top notch. They listen empathetically when needed, yet shoot straight, clearly and concisely. They got the exact results I was looking for in my divorce. I would hire them again.
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23 Mar, 2021 by Ashley
Atty Koch walked me through every step of my high conflict child custody case. My case was very contentious. He managed my expectations at the first meeting and told me what the most likely custody that I would be awarded. He never sugar coated anything.
He was prompt at returning phone calls and emails.
This was a rough/stressful time in my life and I was confident I would get the results we talked about.
Upon meeting Atty Koch, he made a statement to me that had helped me through the months of the court process “the wheels of justice grind slowly”.... meaning everybody wants court to be done yesterday- including myself.... but that isn’t the case.
Be patient.
If I ever need a lawyer again I already know who I’m calling.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Jenny stritzel
Chris has helped us with several situations. He was understanding but to the point. Just a ‘normal guy’ who happens to have the experience and knowledge to navigate us when we needed it the most. We also dealt a bit w his associate who we were just as satisfied with.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Kelly moon
Attorney Kuehn has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my case with determination. He took me through a 2 year brutal divorce with excellent results. I appreciated working with him because he cares and goes above and beyond instead of handing you as a “case”. He definitely has your best interest in mind, I highly recommend giving him a call.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Carl granata
18 Sep, 2018 by Mark
I'm now 2.5 years separated from the anxiety, frustration, anger, and confusion of a rough divorce situation that lasted over a year and a half. I would like to thank Attorney Missimer for his legal work and hours put in to eventually finalize my screwy case but more so for his genuine concern for my mental and emotional well being during the process and for protecting my future interests. I highly recommend Attorney Missimer if you are going through any divorce situation that has gotten "ugly". His personnel knowledge of the court and attorneys involved and legal prowess will protect you from yourself and greatly reduce the stress and anxiety! Thanks Richard! All the Best.
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25 Feb, 2015 by Denise
Whatever your needs are call this lawyer first.. You will be glad you did. He will either show you how to do it yourself for free, take the case or refer you to someone else who can help you..
I've honestly never talked to a lawyer like him before.. He seems to have a really good heart.
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20 Feb, 2015 by Cheryl
Any person's divorce is one of the worst times of their life! I called approximately 10 divorce lawyers, many of them simply blowing me off or quoting me a ridiculous "flat rate" that I absolutely could NOT afford.
In my mind, my divorce was simple! No property to divide or minor children to deal with. We divided all our property ourselves and had no accounts to split. I simply needed someone to lead me through the paper filing process at a price I could afford. One lawyer had the nerve to say to me, "Lady, no divorce is simple. As soon as you get to court, your husband will change his mind and want it all. That is why I charge a higher rate......to prepare for the future fight you will have". SERIOUSLY?
FINALLY, I talked to Attorney Richard Missimer. He was sympathetic and treated me with respect. He never belittled me. I explained my needs and he told me "exactly" what the process would be and what time spans we were looking at. He NEVER made me feel incompetent and repeatedly told me to ask him any questions I had, no matter how silly they might seem to me. I finally found my savior! He took that heavy load off of me and proceeded to lead me down the process without any fears. When he said he would send an email, the email was there, listing what paperwork was needed on my end to start the proceeding. When he said he would call, he called. When he said we would meet, we met when signatures were needed and the whole process became cut-and-dry!
When the process was complete, there were absolutely no "hidden" charges. He charged me exactly what he quoted me!
I would recommend him to anyone looking for an honest lawyer that truly cares for their needs!
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18 Apr, 2024 by Jason bleier
23 May, 2023 by Michelle kostuck
Very professional atmosphere if you need a lawyer
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08 Dec, 2022 by Mike wagner
Best law office in Wisconsin
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29 Aug, 2024 by Youtube_johnday
They are very very racist, the judge worth with the DA , I didn’t take this serious because of lack of evidence , hired a public defender out there. Just for the Public defender to work with the DA. What gos around got come back around. Karma is something else what gos up got to comeback down
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02 Jun, 2021 by Jessica brennan
I have spoke with both Amy and Christy and both were incredibly helpful. For a very stressful situation, they went above and beyond to offer more help than all other services (across state lines) combined.
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20 Nov, 2020 by Scott helgert
It's obvious this place rips people off all the time. The district attorney is childish and routinely brings false information into court without consequence. I assume he maintains the attitude of if you can't beat em, cheat em. He's not as smart as he thinks and its time for him to be held accountable for his unquestionably illicit legal tactics and false imprisonments. Any explanation on his behalf is just another scam because he acts without a conscience.
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31 Jul, 2019 by Evelyn
John Murphy is a nice guy but his ethics need some work. He handled my case for almost a year. He never returns phone calls unless you repeatedly call his office. We’re talking weeks not days. Never answers your emails. Tried to get a petition filed right away but due to his poor communication it was filed 4 months later. Told me the filing was done in December, not record with the court house. Wasn’t done till January after I made multiple calls to his office. If you want a lawyer that’s passive, he’s your man.
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09 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Even though my case was quite a few years ago, I am still paying fees for extremely poor representation. If I could have seen reviews like this before hiring John Murphy, the outcome and my bills could have been very different. I feel obligated to post to help someone else needing an attorney in the future. This is not the one to hire. Communication did not exist. I made so many phone calls that were not returned, and not provided interrogatories and therefore contempt charges were filed. Luckily the legal secretary called me at the last minute on a Friday asking for them when they were due on Monday. I was still charged with contempt of court, but then cleared when I pointed out my attorney failed to deliver. He was not prepared for court dates, and even failed to notify me of one that was scheduled. This man should not be practicing family law. With so many bad reviews that are consistent stories, I don't understand why he is. I was also charged for things that did not happen at all. Phone calls that were not made, work that was not completed. Very disappointing.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired him to represent me in a family matter the initial meeting went over okay however after the first court hearing it became obvious that John Murphy was only in this for a paycheck he's very disorganized and does a very poor job with client follow up during the process it became obvious John Murphy is more focused on building alliances and relationships with his fellow attorneys than looking after the best interest of his client this guy took my money never called me back withdrew motions that I had open in court
John Murphy allows his personal beliefs to guide him through a court case not what the client has hired him for he decides what he wants to do and never consults you additionally he absolutely will never return a phone call I personally called him 15 two 25 times over the span of two months and he never returned my call
Specifically custody and visitation is what I hired him for in addition to child support as it stood Walworth County child support department said that I owed in excess of $25,000 in child support arrears
As it turns out he did nothing and what ultimately happened was on my own after going to court for five years it was proven Walworth County child support have been collecting child support for years and not crediting it to the proper account and I was issued a $25,000 credit for past-due child
Whether or not John Murphy believed me when I retained him and told him I didn't know any past due child support is it relevant clearly he didn't believe me however he still should have provided me at least a rudimentary level of defense for the baseless assertion that I owed this child support and he never did
I had to face a contempt of court hearing on myown
hiring John Murphy was like hiring another attorney to work against me in the process of fighting for custody and try to straighten out the mess of Child Support
John Murphy provided me the worst possible experience a client could get from an attorney I would not recommend him to anyone
I'm so extremely disappointed that I wasted my money my time and my efforts on this attorney
I was nearly put in jail for contempt of court for not paying child support that I never owed he sold me up a creek to the child support attorney and I was left to sort the mess out on my own after I paid him ultimately as stated earlier I did receive a $25,000 credit for past-due child support that I did On My Own by continually going to court and defending myself after I paayed john Murphy
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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.
