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171 Reviews
26 Jan, 2025 by David mcmahon
This is a top-caliber family law firm. Very reliable and easy to work with. They get results.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Jenni knox
Responsive. Experts in their field of practice. If you are seeking advocacy, emotional support, resources and want a team to go above and beyond for justice, this is the firm to provide that support.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Frank davis
Highly recommend! This family law firm exceeded my expectations during my divorce process. They answered all my questions promptly, provided a speedy turnaround, and achieved a fantastic outcome for me. Their professionalism and dedication made a challenging time much easier.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
5.0
11 Reviews
5.0
154 Reviews
23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
19 Nov, 2024 by Jana pool
The team at Little & Logue, PLLC provided invaluable support during one of the most challenging & stressful times of my life. The Little & Logue team were compassionate & effective in handling my divorce, ensuring all of my needs were met. James is very knowledgeable & thorough & ensured that I understood all of my options. I am grateful for the professionalism, genuine care, & empathy throughout this process.. I highly recommend Little & Logue to anyone in need of a family lawyer.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Michele crutcher
Thomas Little and his paralegal, Sharron Dowdle, offer the utmost in client service. I have developed a professional relationship with Mr. Little over the past two years while he represented me in a legal matter. The professionalism, competence, and open communication were outstanding and I would highly recommend Little & Logue to anyone in need of family law legal counsel.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karen barsam
I dealt with Thomas Little for family law issues. I will recommend him and his law firm for the knowledge, the professionalism and compassion they have and express. Thomas had the answers to all my questions. He was focused and calm when I was emotional, which is crucial. At the end, it was fun. I have some other issues that I will need him to tackle in the future and I will use his expertise without hesitation.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Yared
The Jimenez Law Firm was great to work with.
My situation was a bit complex. From transferring my case to our current county, working alongside other entities to gather everything needed for my custody case, I know I couldn’t have picked a better legal team. Josh, Christina and their team truly went above and beyond, and I was granted exactly what I’d hoped for.
I’m also grateful for their office staff, for their support - my questions never went unanswered. I’m truly grateful for their teams organization with billing and receipts, you always know where your retainer is being used.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Jesse
When you need a heavy hitter the Jimenez Law Group delivers. Christina has a no nonsense approach, and shoots it straight. Don’t let her looks fool you, she is ambitious, shows up to show out and represents her clients with ferocity.
I would have never been in the position I’m in now in my wildest dreams. I’m so thankful and happy to have been represented by Christina herself. 10 for 10 recommend.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Adam
I highly recommend Christy, Josh and the rest of their team if you are seeking legal assistance. They were incredibly knowledgeable and ensured I understood every step in the process. Once I got them everything we needed the process was very quick. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and protected me. They got me the outcome I wanted. I am truly grateful for their professionalism and support in navigating this challenging time. I don’t think you can find better help anywhere else.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Veda sruthi
Adam and Brielle have handled my divorce through mediation this year. They have handled my case quickly and efficiently. I am glad I took their suggestions to start my new life soon. With a Kid in the mix, they handled it very carefully. They were very considerate to what I was going through in those trying time !!! I always had good communication with them. Lily , the paralegal was also very prompt in answering emails !!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Lance ryan
Don’t expect much here!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Trevor williams
Working with Daniel and Madison was an excellent experience. Both Daniel and Madison’s expertise and professionalism gave me confidence throughout the process, and they were consistently organized and responsive. Together, they made a complex situation much more manageable, and I truly appreciate their dedication and clear communication. Highly recommend!
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24 Sep, 2024 by Aaron reich
Lighthouse Legal Services is the choice for legal representation. My divorce case proceeded over a year and half, which was not the fault of the professionals from Lighthouse. Courtney Thomson and Erica Douglas were outstanding in supporting me through the entire process. Quick to answer any questions, thorough in explaining every step of the process, and above and beyond in attention to detail in preparing for hearings and in documentation. They made a turbulent season of my life very easy to manage and provide a great sense of security in their commitment to supporting their clients. Courtney and Erica were an outstanding legal team to work with and I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal services!
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08 Aug, 2024 by Scott s
Courtney Thomson and Erica Douglas were the team that helped me through my divorce as they made the process a lot easier by explaining the process and walking me thru it… they also have great communication with the client and are very professional.. I would recommend them for anyone who is going thru a divorce..
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01 May, 2024 by Eddie
Highly recommend Courtney Thomson and Nora Farah
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07 Nov, 2024 by Veda sruthi
Adam and Brielle have handled my divorce through mediation this year. They have handled my case quickly and efficiently. I am glad I took their suggestions to start my new life soon. With a Kid in the mix, they handled it very carefully. They were very considerate to what I was going through in those trying time !!! I always had good communication with them. Lily , the paralegal was also very prompt in answering emails !!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Lance ryan
Don’t expect much here!
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18 Oct, 2024 by Trevor williams
Working with Daniel and Madison was an excellent experience. Both Daniel and Madison’s expertise and professionalism gave me confidence throughout the process, and they were consistently organized and responsive. Together, they made a complex situation much more manageable, and I truly appreciate their dedication and clear communication. Highly recommend!
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23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
4.5
2 Reviews
4.8
27 Reviews
19 Nov, 2024 by Jana pool
The team at Little & Logue, PLLC provided invaluable support during one of the most challenging & stressful times of my life. The Little & Logue team were compassionate & effective in handling my divorce, ensuring all of my needs were met. James is very knowledgeable & thorough & ensured that I understood all of my options. I am grateful for the professionalism, genuine care, & empathy throughout this process.. I highly recommend Little & Logue to anyone in need of a family lawyer.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Michele crutcher
Thomas Little and his paralegal, Sharron Dowdle, offer the utmost in client service. I have developed a professional relationship with Mr. Little over the past two years while he represented me in a legal matter. The professionalism, competence, and open communication were outstanding and I would highly recommend Little & Logue to anyone in need of family law legal counsel.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karen barsam
I dealt with Thomas Little for family law issues. I will recommend him and his law firm for the knowledge, the professionalism and compassion they have and express. Thomas had the answers to all my questions. He was focused and calm when I was emotional, which is crucial. At the end, it was fun. I have some other issues that I will need him to tackle in the future and I will use his expertise without hesitation.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
15 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I highly recommend O'Connell Law for family law issues. I hired her for an issue after my divorce was finalized and the quality of representation was much better than what I received during the divorce process. She explained every step of the process and I never felt lost or like I wasn't sure what was happening or why or where I was in the process. Her communication with me left me feeling confident in both her as an attorney but also confident in my decisions during the process. She gave me MUCH information regarding each possible decision and I was equipped with the knowledge I needed to make the best possible decisions for my family. I know, from personal experience, that not all attorneys take the time to explain all of the information that you need during divorce, modifications and all that goes along with family law issues. She's patient with questions and very responsive. When Jill was not in the office, or otherwise unavailable, her paralegal was quick to respond or communicate information that I needed. She would always communicate my questions to Ms. O'Connell if she wasn't sure of the answer. This was important to me since, many times, at a different legal office, I would receive incorrect information from the paralegal, which would ultimately cost me money.
Divorce and modifications are issues that you need need someone walking with you, guiding you through the process, step by step, and that's exactly what you get with this law firm!
I've recommended O'Connell Law to friends and will use her again in the future, if needed.
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24 Sep, 2017 by Laird
Jill used every law to fight for me. and got me out of a bad situation. Her research is scary good. She finds information that the other people do not want the judge to know.
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12 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Jill O'Connell is an excellent attorney. Her supportive, direct, discerning advice was helpful during my stressful legal situation. She took the time to listen and fully understand what my desired outcome was, then gave me her direct, honest opinion on pursuing my case.
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09 Feb, 2016 by Monica
First, Donna answered all my questions for my divorce, so my fears were away. Second, I felt very confident that Donna was with me through all the process, which was almost a year. She looked for the best interest for my 4 kids and me. I highly recommend Donna the best attorney in Flower Mound.
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03 Dec, 2015 by Danna
Donna is a compassionate attorney who goes above and beyond to help others. During a very sad time in my life, due to the death of a family member, she took control and helped out with a settlement of an estate that had no will. She and her staff were great with communication in regards to court dates and information received from other parties. The results of the matter far exceeded what was expected. give her a call. It will be the best decision you ever make. Thanks Donna and team!
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04 Feb, 2015 by John
Donna Hernandez represented me in a divorce several years ago. It was a tough one with many difficult issues, but it all turned out great. I now have my son with me and life is good. I don't think I could have gotten through it without her.
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15 Apr, 2022 by Austin
Amie has known my family for 10 years. She has fought for me and my children more than I ever thought anyone would. I fully recommend her and she will do everything in her power for you. To Amie, you and your kids come first.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
23 Jan, 2025 by Jo lynn huggins
My husband and I sought the help of Colby Barry when we were trying to gain guardianship of our grandson. Colby walked us through this emotional and delicate situation with great knowledge and experience. He was always available when we had questions and always treated us with kindness and respect. Thanks to Colby we had a successful and happy experience for our family in gaining guardianship of our grandson. We highly recommend Colby Barry for any family legal needs. He’s 5 stars for us!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Ahmed soliman
I highly recommend attorney Colby Berry. He is extremely knowledgeable, communicative and goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are getting what they want. I had a 10/10 experience.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Tobi taylor
14 May, 2017 by Anonymous
He doesn't own a large firm with all of the trappings of a big-time lawyer. His laid back approach and method of delivery makes him very good at getting those corporate lawyers believe they're dealing with someone they can disregard. But that's when the experience and wisdom of his knowledge of how a contract will be interpreted and how to ensure his client gets the best deal possible given the situation. Pressed for time, limited resources and a $1M lawsuit staring me in the face for non-compete violation (allegedly) and an injunction preventing me from running my new business, prevented from working in my area of expertise along with the $1M suit made for a bad few weeks. Chuck recommended mediation and we didn't win everything we wanted. But we got a little more than I needed to proceed.
Highly Recommended - Just be sure to bring a lot of $$, but it's worth it.
Thanks Chuck
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17 Sep, 2024 by Rebecca aiken
08 Aug, 2020 by Carol kohankie
07 Jul, 2020 by Ben dankesreiter
28 Nov, 2024 by Brysen williams
I’m not even sure where to start. Lindsey was hired in Aug 2024 to represent me with a modification of parent child relationship and an enforcement filed against me. Lindsey was very consistent with making every excuse of why she couldn’t respond, meet, text, and other things that constituted lack of communication. Despite multiple attempts to obtain an itemized invoice, it wasn’t until after I terminated her services, she sent one and it consists of wrong dates, phantom conversations that never took place, and services that were never rendered. Not only did she bill me incorrectly, she transacted my account prior to discussing these unjustifiable charges. She was paid a grand total of greater than $6200 and NEVER once stood before the judge on my behalf to represent me. I am a single father fighting for my rights with a very innocent and loving daughter who is suffering from severe parental alienation and Lindsey assured me she’d do her due diligence to fight. She has done the complete opposite. Please please please, read this review and other reviews and you will find how similar they are and the common denominator of them all. I have never felt violated and scammed of my hard earned money in my life. This matter is very serious and there’s more to come. I am hoping this helps others not have to experience what I’ve gone through with Lindsey. This has been a complete nightmare from the beginning. Be wise!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Tony depasquale
Wonderful attorney who really cares about her clients. Goes above and beyond. I can't recommend her more highly.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Mandy lancaster
I deliberated extensively on whether or not to share this review. My intention in doing so is to prevent another family from experiencing the same situation.
In March of 2024, we engaged the services of Lindsey and paid our retainer. Three weeks later, we discovered that $3,000 had been (illegally) withdrawn from our personal bank account (not the retainer account). Initially, we were informed that this was an accidental charge and that it would be refunded. However, the refund only occurred after I threatened to report LJW to the Bar Association, and even then one of the checks bounced. Retrieving our payment was an arduous process.
Communication with Lindsey was near impossible. Emails were not sent to opposing counsel, phone calls to me were not returned, and emails went unanswered. I was informed by LJW that she couldn't speak or meet with me due to being out of the country or out of town. Yet, I unexpectedly encountered her thirty minutes later at a local restaurant nearby, on two separate occasions. She frequently claimed to be on vacation or provided extremely odd reasons for her unavailability.
The billing rates in LJW’s documentation did not align with the actual charges. We were billed $75 for 10, 28, 45 second conversations, or for conversations that never transpired. Additionally, we were charged for meetings that never took place. Upon questioning these unjust charges, LJW fabricated additional charges to cover up the initial inaccuracies. I have evidence to substantiate all of this.
LJW also informed us of two paralegals with whom we could communicate at a discounted rate. Despite my diligent attempts, I never received a response from them, yet they billed me, and their names appeared on LJW’s legal documents. I spent countless hours emailing and leaving voicemails for these “Paralegals” only to discover that neither of them worked for LJW. She had no paralegals, yet she conveyed the impression that these individuals were still part of her team. I managed to contact one of these individuals, and she confirmed that she had left LJW months prior. She informed me to report LJW to the Bar Association for many reasons, including how LJW continued to use her name as the company paralegal despite her repeated requests for LJW to desist.
I have never felt so exploited in my life. This was someone we trusted personally, who had pledged to assist our family. Eventually, we had to terminate our engagement with LJW and start afresh.
In summary, we paid a $5,000 retainer, $3,000 was illicitly taken from us. I informed LJW that I wanted the $3,000 back plus the remaining retainer. She stated that our remaining retainer was around $1,400, an amount that should have been substantially higher considering the absence of any progress alongside her unjust charges. Ultimately, she only refunded the $3,000 and retained our remaining retainer. Predictably, the check bounced.
This situation was deeply disheartening.
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22 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
What a nightmare experience I had with this lawyer. I hired and paid Mark Grosso up front to represent my son with some marijuana charges. My son was put on a program where if he stayed out of trouble for 2 years the charges would be dismissed and his record was eligible to be expunged. I paid Mark Grosso to have him represent my son and to file the expunction order. When 2 years were up and it was time to file the expunction, Mark completely forgot. I emailed Mark constantly to remind him to file the expunction and he wouldn't respond or responded with a promise to take care of it but never did. I finally contacted the Texas Bar Association to see if they could assist me. The bar told me the first step in the process of the Bar helping me was to write a letter to Mark and deliver it to him. I looked up his office address online and found 2 addresses for him. I went to both. One was not even a real address and the other one was an office but not for him. I finally looked up his home address in the tax records and went by his home to deliver the letter. He came to the door and asked me to give him another chance - he promised to take care of the expunction. I decided to give him another chance but again, he never filed it. I went back to the house again and this time I spoke to his wife. His wife said "oh, this is not like my husband at all" She called him and of course he answered his wife's call. More promises from Mark to take care of it. When he finally filed the expunction, he filed it incorrectly - twice. It was 2 years late before he finally did it a 3rd time and did it correctly. Save yourself a lot of trouble and anxiety and stay away from hiring this man.
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25 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Mark is top notch-he knows his stuff and is very reasonably priced. He can handle pretty much anything you throw at him.
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19 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I had Mark as my attorney for my 1st Felony in Dallas County, he took my case on even though hes in Denton and was wonderful. he listened well, very patient and i got a great deal. Thanks Mark!
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28 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Faced with a complicated divorce involving child custody issues, I met with Jim Ashmore and knew, after that first consultation, that I had found the right attorney. I was completely frantic, and had no idea what to expect. Mr. Ashmore led me though the process step by step. His knowledge, professionalism, and compassion were priceless to me. Though the past 8 years, when custody issues arose, Mr. Ashmore handled them for me, and I always knew that he had my best interest, as well as that of my children in mind at each corner. Mr. Ashmore has always kept me well informed, and the level of trust I have in him and his team has always made it possible to move forward confidently and with a positive attitude.
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19 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
I used Mr. Ashmore during a difficult divorce with child custody issues. Everything was great at first, however, when I encountered issues with my ex toward the end of the finalization, I could not get any help or return phone calls from the firm. I just needed some simple answers and I finally just quit calling and gave up. I am now seeking a new attorney for modificiation of child custody, which is going to cost me more money. Unfortunately, knowing what I do now, I would not recommend this firm.
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18 Aug, 2010 by Roger
In 2003, a surprise divorce filing with false accusation prompted me to seek counsel. Not a “yellow page” event, I networked my way to Jim Ashmore. Over the next 5 months, he helped me separate legal issue from drama, listed options, advised, filed, and navigated through the problem.
I finally defaulted to a “soft” response. Jim cautioned me against this but respected my opinion and filed accordingly. Over the next seven years, several additional law suits were filed against me. I was at risk and (more importantly) my kids were at risk.
Jim’s broad experience and penchant for detail lead to positive outcome throughout the entire dilemma. He always went over options, created a sound plan, and was well prepared for hearings and trials. Jim stays calm and flexible in court, adjusting when required. His demeanor and approach earns respect of judges, opposing attorneys, and witnesses.
My observations are not based on whim. Exhausting legal work behind, my family and I are on the mend. This journey took me through 3 courts in 2 counties with (over time) 5 opposing attorneys. I simply continued to show up with the same attorney, Jim Ashmore.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Bart
I was charged with dwi denton county.I got josh as court appt lawyer.I went to court once a month for several months and got set off till the next month,which that was alright with me.then one day I went in and he said I got a offer where I did get cionvicted but got no jail time or no probation. Considering that I was on tape and looked terrible doing field sobriety and all that I was very happy. Like I said he was a court appointed lawyer for me but I thought he did great job.
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10 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
My very first time in trouble and he did very minimum. He was solely looking to get paid as for as help me out on my situation. 8 years defered probation was outrageous. Every other attorney I talked to after told me that’s suicide. They also said that is ridiculous for my first time ever in trouble. He never gave me information that they had. He just told me this is what they are offering. Again, he only wanted to get paid. DON’T HIRE HIM!!!
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29 Nov, 2014 by Amy
Mr.Smith is great. Very personable and did an awesome job in keeping himself available to answer any questions I had about my case. I got a county charge of DWLIrifyt before I was put on 18 months probation for a DWI. They DA was trying to add 18 more months to my current probation but Josh got me time served and only had to pay a fine. I only had to appear 1 time and that was to accept my plea. Hiring Joshua Smith to handle my case was the best decision. He is very well liked at the Denton county courthouse. Hire him he's worth it!
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05 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Very disappointing relationship. What was originally disclosed to me regarding the timeline and cost of my case doubled in a months time, without warning and without any solid work performed. When questioned, we got pushback and attitude.
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20 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Without going into the details of my situation while working with Eric Dankesreiter, I would rate him as below average. He relied too much on intimidation/threats and made statements that were not factually accurate while representing my position. It was a bit embarrassing and not very professional. I would not recommend him.
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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.
