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08 May, 2015 by Sonia
Amazing!! That’s the perfect way to describe my experience with Ileana M. Almeida. Not only is she an exceptionally qualified attorney but she is also a caring person whose guidance and support through my divorce case were unsurpassed. Ileana patiently guided me through every step of the process and went above and beyond her duties as an attorney. I cannot thank her enough for her services. I highly recommend her.
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12 May, 2013 by Cody
Lynn Britt is an attorney and a CPA and was invaluable in the settlement of my divorce. My attorney insisted that I hire her and then again that she be present during the entire mediation process. I allowed it, only because I trusted my attorney. It wasn't until I was signing the settlement that I fully understood the institances of my attorney and Lynn's value. She is fantastic and worth every penny!!
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17 Jul, 2015 by Andrea
The best trial lawyer! I didn't expect to fund a lawyer like him! Mr. Arrington took time to meet in person and listened very careful to all my legal issues. He is patience and very knowledgeable. He didn't give me the answer that I wanted to heard, instead he came up with the truth of my situation. He explained all my options and he clarified the pros and cons... he leads the way to the solution of my conflict. Mr. Arrington helped me when I though nobody will. I recommend Eric Arrington to your criminal and family legal problems because of his integrity, honesty and passion for the law.
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22 Jan, 2014 by Jennifer k.
Abbe handled my divorce recently. She was understanding, diligent, responsive, and looked out for my best interest from day one to the final settlement. Ms. Cohn was respectful of my feelings, but did not allow me to compromise on anything. She made sure that I had a fair and equitable settlement, protecting both myself and my children. Her office staff is second to none. For a difficult thing to go through, they made it as easy as possible. An absolute pleasure to work with.
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08 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
This attorney is fantastic!!! Knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, trustworthy--knew just what to do! I needed to re-open a case with my ex-husband and Chris was very generous with his time and considerate of expenses. I would recommend Chris Ells to anyone seeking honest and aggressive representation. He's wonderful--I'm grateful and relieved I was able to locate him (through a fellow alumnus) and hire him! His fees were extremely reasonable.
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18 Aug, 2013 by Mike
I was lucky enough to have Susan appointed to me in a child dependency case.
She is an excellent attorney who has fought long and hard for my family's re-unification
despite an uphill battle.
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09 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Patric is a great attorney. He is trustworthy, and honest and cares about his clients.
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15 Apr, 2014 by Dianas
Josh and his associate Juliette Lippman took over my divorce case after I did my best to represent myself in court as a pro se litigant post having an awful experience with another attorney. Their level of professionalism, care, knowledge and impeccable work are outstanding. I wouldn't have had a positive outcome without their help. Furthermore EVERYONE in KBLG's office made me feel at ease and at home as I dealt with issues that are next to experiencing the death of a dear one when it comes to stress levels. Their compassion and empathy for their clients are genuine and I cannot thank them enough for successfully handling my case. Joshua's level of ethics and integrity were also admirable!
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25 Feb, 2025 by Jessica hernandez
If you have an amicable divorce go to a mediator or give a small retainer fee. This office has a NON-refundable refund for retainers. My case was during the holidays and after we signed everything the office went silent. I had to email to check status and then they would move the case. I wasn't even informed on when my divorce was finalized, I found it on public records. Although I am knowledgeable and know it was my mistake for not reading the terms, I hope this helps someone to ask about refundable retainer fees. My divorce billable hours were about 2,500. My retainer fee was 5,500 so the office made an easy $2,900.00. Hope this review helps someone in the future!
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24 Feb, 2025 by Samuel muniz
Mr. Scott and his team, Amalia and Gwen, were amazing! They helped me greatly during my difficult time in my divorce! If you’re ever in need of a great lawyer, please give Mr. Scott a call. You won’t be disappointed.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Danielle green
Mr.Scott was able to give me so much information I’m such a short time during our Free consultation. He sent me a document I needed for my case free of cost! Amazing
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14 Feb, 2025 by Jonathan guyton
Highly recommended. I really love the work ethic and professionalism. Really down down to earth people
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14 Feb, 2025 by Travaris lark
14 Feb, 2025 by Santo de leon
Amazing staff and very responsible lawyer offices! In Tucker laws I found the help that I need with my case!! I need help with any case, I recommend Tucker laws a 100%.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Steven g. shapiro
Sandra's service was exemplary. She always kept me informed of the progress of my case so that I was aware and comforted during all of the waiting time. Her legal assistant, Lisette Rivera, was an incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. All in all, this was as painless as it could have possibly been. Thank you!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Vanessa ponce
Before hiring Sandra as my lawyer, I was deeply distressed by the divorce process. My ex served me without warning and tried to get a default judgment. I quickly hired a lawyer and was incredibly lucky to find Sandra. From our initial call, I knew she was the right choice. Her constant communication and the confidence she instilled in me were invaluable. A HUGE thanks to Lisette too for being so supportive and helpful throughout. While divorce is never easy, having a team that genuinely cares about you and your future makes it much more bearable. My only regret is not hiring them sooner- They are truly exceptional!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Mauricio vallejo
Excellent. Gave me different options to have a cost effective process.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Christine desideri
I researched many attorney profiles, backgrounds. But, there was only 1 whose sincerity was palpable. That was Joshua S. Danz. He listened to Me patiently for 45 minutes. His representation was so successful for me and my grandson. Everything I hoped for Joshua achieved. He reached out to me on a regular basis. He genuinely cares. Joshua is the consummate professional, profound understanding of the law. But ultimately a fine person. Picking Joshua as my attorney is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Ryan lyew
Hired Joshua for my GF’s case, and he was excellent. He was responsive to emails, attentive to every detail, and genuinely empathetic to the situation.
Hopefully, we’ll never need a lawyer again, but it’s reassuring to know we’ve got a damn good one we can count on!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Monica hildreth
Attorney Victor Pena is very professional and extremely easy to communicate with. He helped me tremendously and answered all my questions and concerns from the moment I inquired of his services throughout my entire process of retaining him. He handled my situation in a very timely and efficient manner. I highly recommend him.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Dr. beck e. otomi
They keep their office very secure.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Zacharias cohen
24 Jun, 2024 by Gennnybravo
Would avoid working with this firm if at all possible. They are extremely slow to respond, completely disregard emails, and show a complete lack of empathy or understanding. If you are not consistently following up, you will be hard pressed to receive any type of response. If you do receive a response, it will be short and often times not even answer your questions. It consistently felt like we had to chase them down for the most simple requests. Go elsewhere if you have the option.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Zacharias cohen
14 Jun, 2024 by Zetar0b0t
Angela was super professional and helped me with my questions. I met her at an event and recommended the establishment.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Rachel perez
A meter Angela ladino at a networking mixer and she was so knowledgeable, kind, and professional. She provided me with great valuable info about her company!
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06 Jan, 2025 by Skip colvin
Very professional organization with excellent communication to me throughout. Good advice and no pressure. Dealing with the state was impossible without them. Highly endorse.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Yonier leon
Best experience I ever had with a law firm. They are truly committed to help their customers. Highly recommend their services.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Ailyn l
The were very efficient with the whole process and results in both cases came sooner than expected.
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14 May, 2024 by F deli
Top Tier Attorney!!! Arica is a great listener and communicator. She was able to provide me with a solution for every problem that arouse in my case. Arica works quickly with precision. I always felt like my case was under control and moving in the right direction because of her guidance.
My children were being held by their mother for over 8 months with no intention to timeshare. Thanks to Arica, I was reunited with my children quickly. We were also able to get 50/50 Timesharing!!!
Thank you Arica. I will never forget what you have done for me and my family. Your impact on my life is literally going to last a lifetime. I can now properly raise my two boys and move on with my life in Peace.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Thuha nguyen
Arica is the best lawyer. She is very work hard for my situation quickly in one month. Thank you very much. God bless you
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14 Nov, 2023 by Dawn atwater
Very knowledgeable andpersonable; had my best interests at heart
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03 Dec, 2024 by Reta mucollari
Ben and Lourdes have been incredible to work with. From the moment I called, they were already in action, making the entire real estate transaction seamless and stress-free. Their dedication and efficiency truly made the process effortless for me. Highly recommended!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Hector padilla
This law group is a joke! ,
rich crooks in over price curtains for clothes
Avoid at all cost
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29 May, 2024 by Jann silberman
If there was an opportunity to not leave any stars I wouldn't. Yes, it seems that people love the old man dressed in a finely pressed shirt with cologne who speaks softly to estblish a rappore. This is called 'Bait and Switch" so much, to make extra money they will tell you that you are not happy with their services so that they can call a hearing in the middle of the divorce when it is too late to hire anyone else. Lets charge that invoice. No disucussion, no communication, nothing except for invoices, overbilling for no rhyme or reason. Remember don't assume anything.. this is a game as to which party has the most money so that they can write up an "Agreed Order" which you will not see for opposing counsel to pay. Leins put on your settlement checks, I can go on and on but they are not worth it. OH, Mr. Stok owns a debt collecting agency and a title agency so he likes to own your property which is why he will put a charging lien on that as well. I won't waste any more time but stay away from them ... or else. If I could show photos of what they didn't and did do, I would probably get arrested. But Karma has a way.... Its been 4 years and I never did get my jewelry stated in the MSA and given a fake pension that didn't exist. I was not represented... My ex husband was... remember? it is about who has the money.
As G-d is my witness, everything in this review can be proven. Stay away from them.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Reta mucollari
Ben and Lourdes have been incredible to work with. From the moment I called, they were already in action, making the entire real estate transaction seamless and stress-free. Their dedication and efficiency truly made the process effortless for me. Highly recommended!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Hector padilla
This law group is a joke! ,
rich crooks in over price curtains for clothes
Avoid at all cost
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29 May, 2024 by Jann silberman
If there was an opportunity to not leave any stars I wouldn't. Yes, it seems that people love the old man dressed in a finely pressed shirt with cologne who speaks softly to estblish a rappore. This is called 'Bait and Switch" so much, to make extra money they will tell you that you are not happy with their services so that they can call a hearing in the middle of the divorce when it is too late to hire anyone else. Lets charge that invoice. No disucussion, no communication, nothing except for invoices, overbilling for no rhyme or reason. Remember don't assume anything.. this is a game as to which party has the most money so that they can write up an "Agreed Order" which you will not see for opposing counsel to pay. Leins put on your settlement checks, I can go on and on but they are not worth it. OH, Mr. Stok owns a debt collecting agency and a title agency so he likes to own your property which is why he will put a charging lien on that as well. I won't waste any more time but stay away from them ... or else. If I could show photos of what they didn't and did do, I would probably get arrested. But Karma has a way.... Its been 4 years and I never did get my jewelry stated in the MSA and given a fake pension that didn't exist. I was not represented... My ex husband was... remember? it is about who has the money.
As G-d is my witness, everything in this review can be proven. Stay away from them.
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25 Sep, 2024 by C.k
I have felt emotionally torn to bits after years of being dragged through the legal system by my Sociopathic Narcissistic ex who was doing everything to avoid paying court ordered support and using the legal system to continuously abuse me. I changed lawyers and I am so very glad I did. Tracy comes through for me time after time like nobody else can, summing up the situation in minutes, pulling on different areas of the law with a speed and focus that thrills my heart. Finally, somebody gets it! She can cut through years of bull in a flash. This mixture of brilliance, heart and experience is uncanny. Watching her defend me and fight for me made me feel loved. The other side was shaking in their lying boots. The way she can turn the tables and use the opposition's grounds against them is nothing short of genius. Honestly! At this godawful time with a very small support system, it was great to have a knowledgeable, skillful, even cunning advocate. She was that sister, that mother, that friend that we can only wish for. She is honest. She does not mince words. She has a big, fierce and loving heart and a mind that can hold vast amounts of information. Can't say enough. She came to me through a referral. My only regret is that I hadn't found her sooner. She's the attorney I dreamed of and got. She loves what she does and she is darn near the best there is. Thank you Tracy. Much love.
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30 May, 2023 by Dan seigel
I have worked with Mike and his team for over eight years. They are consummate professionals, extremely knowledgeable, and treat each client like family. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-notch estate planning services.
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30 May, 2023 by Sandy v.g.
11 Feb, 2025 by Mikey
So proud to have worked with this awesome company. Any, one, normal person is protective of their info; and when my mom suggested this team I became even more skeptical. However, after my consultation with Ms. Lee, I felt so at ease and she was super understanding. What seemed like the impossible, she took on and some months later that impossible came to fruition. Thankful for everything they did on the back-end. Thorough, attentive and responsible. I pray you will have a wonder of years to come, an abundance of clients, and always great reviews. Most of all I pray you will always have a solution to any and every situation…in accordance with your your brilliant work ofcourse.
if your on your last options like I was, I highly recommend their services as a possible option.
Let God be glorified through your everything!
Mikey & Jay
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04 Dec, 2024 by Randy flores
Thank you very much for all the hard work Doctora Carmen G. Soto its a great firm, staffed with knowledgeable and caring staff, good on answered every question I had with patients accuracy and professionalism that truly gave it their all for my case. I Couldn't ask for a better experience during this hard time, will definitely recommend everyone.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Rivka salman
I consulted with several attorneys prior but the search honestly ended with Atty Bishow as I immediately recognized that I was in the best hands. She is the only attorney that you will find with the patience, understanding, and empathy that you need while going through the legal drama, yet still leads with professionalism, experience, and razor-sharp wit. Atty Bishow is like a fierce secret weapon, and if she's in your corner, you've already won.
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11 Feb, 2025 by Mikey
So proud to have worked with this awesome company. Any, one, normal person is protective of their info; and when my mom suggested this team I became even more skeptical. However, after my consultation with Ms. Lee, I felt so at ease and she was super understanding. What seemed like the impossible, she took on and some months later that impossible came to fruition. Thankful for everything they did on the back-end. Thorough, attentive and responsible. I pray you will have a wonder of years to come, an abundance of clients, and always great reviews. Most of all I pray you will always have a solution to any and every situation…in accordance with your your brilliant work ofcourse.
if your on your last options like I was, I highly recommend their services as a possible option.
Let God be glorified through your everything!
Mikey & Jay
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04 Dec, 2024 by Randy flores
Thank you very much for all the hard work Doctora Carmen G. Soto its a great firm, staffed with knowledgeable and caring staff, good on answered every question I had with patients accuracy and professionalism that truly gave it their all for my case. I Couldn't ask for a better experience during this hard time, will definitely recommend everyone.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Rivka salman
I consulted with several attorneys prior but the search honestly ended with Atty Bishow as I immediately recognized that I was in the best hands. She is the only attorney that you will find with the patience, understanding, and empathy that you need while going through the legal drama, yet still leads with professionalism, experience, and razor-sharp wit. Atty Bishow is like a fierce secret weapon, and if she's in your corner, you've already won.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Darson blake
16 Mar, 2021 by Lisa shmaruk
15 Jan, 2025 by Renee schneider
I would leave zero stars if I could. Empire came highly recommended from another law firm. Worst referral we have ever received. The Court Reporter showed up late for the zoom deposition and left her audio on the entire time with the tv playing in the background. We scheduled a 2 hour deposition for 4pm and Empire charge us almost double the hourly rate for after hour charges without letting us know there would be an additional fee. They corrected the invoice and when we paid it charged us the original amount of the invoice. I call and get disconnected or voicemail on a regular basis. This company has been very unprofessional and rude. I would recommend another court reporting service for your needs.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Adrien henao
06 Dec, 2024 by Ferdi's
Excellent communication and fast results!
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26 Dec, 2023 by Patricia edwards
I Had a Great experience with Lucas and David.. Will definitely use them again in the future
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15 Sep, 2023 by Judith collins
Thank you for handling my closing on my ocean front property in Melbourne Beach. I appreciate your team dealing with contractors and the city on my open permits for my ocean walkover and pool. I will definitely be back when I am ready to purchase my next home!
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30 Jul, 2023 by Karen leonard
I recently had the occasion to work with David Seif and he was extremely knowledgeable and very much appreciated. I highly recommend this firm for all your real estate law matters!
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28 Oct, 2018 by Jay
I would recommend Miss Rhoda to anyone who's looking for custody lawyer divorce lawyer family law name it she is the best she represented me 11 years ago in a custody case my daughter is now 18 years old and I have her to thank for that. My daughter is about to graduate from high school she is healthy she is doing so well you did a wonderful job helping me through this horrible time thank you so much. you help me keep my head up you gave me strength you stood by me every time I wanted to give up she would say we could fight this, we did and we won. thank you so much. You became my to-go-to lawyer.
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09 May, 2018 by Robert
I sat down for a consultation with her to see if I wanted to change lawyers on my divorce for an hour gave her 500$... then I decided to stay with the lawyer I was with. Asked for a refund she said that I used it all up on the consultation.. I feel like another lawyer has taken advantage
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06 Dec, 2017 by Gregorio forgione
Ms. Sokoloff was all hands on deck since the beginning of the case. She is very knowledgeable about family law and the judicial system. She helped me all through out the case, answers all my questions and concerns promptly and with care. Above all she has high family values and understands that both mom and dad are important on a kids live. I recommend her to everyone.
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04 Nov, 2023 by Vitaliy
Dear Joseph,
I am writing to convey my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding legal representation you provided throughout my case. Your unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise, and relentless commitment were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome that surpassed my expectations.
From the outset, your thorough understanding of the complexities of my situation instilled confidence in me. Your strategic approach, coupled with a remarkable command of legal nuances, demonstrated the depth of your professional prowess. It was evident that you were not just an attorney but a tireless advocate fighting fervently on my behalf.
During this challenging time, your unwavering support and responsiveness were invaluable. Your ability to navigate the legal intricacies with precision and to communicate complex concepts in a way that I could easily comprehend made a significant difference. I always felt informed, empowered, and confident in the direction we were heading, thanks to your transparent and communicative style.
Your tireless efforts and commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome for me were truly commendable. The results achieved under your guidance were beyond my wildest expectations, and I am genuinely grateful for the positive resolution that seemed unattainable before you took on my case.
In the realm of legal representation, you stand out as an exceptional attorney with a rare combination of skill, dedication, and empathy. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had you as my advocate, and I will be forever thankful for the pivotal role you played in securing a favorable resolution.
Thank you, Joseph, for being more than just a legal representative – for being a beacon of support, a tenacious advocate, and ultimately, the key to the success of my case. Your exceptional work has left an indelible mark, and I will not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate attorney.
With heartfelt thanks,
Vitaliy
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29 Mar, 2022 by Lorie
I hired Mr Zager for a specific reason and then decided to go with another attorney..Mr Zager refused to give me back my initial retainer claiming that he did work equaling that amount of money even thought it wasn’t true..Apparently he feels that $1500.00 for less than one hours work is fair..Be mindful of what you are signing with this one..
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11 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Zager is the man he got me what I needed in my Divorce case thanks a bunch.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Gustavo
I have used Ms. Brunelli in personal and corporate litigation matters having to do with loan work-outs, several tenant eviction cases and post judgment collection work. She provides common sense legal advice focusing in getting the particular issue resolved in a cost effective manner. She is responsive and a consummate professional.
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01 Oct, 2015 by Walder
Marjorie is an excellent attorney. I hired her to represent me in my divorce and she was able to assist me during the whole process, and helped me keep custody of my daughter, and pay reasonable alimony. She was very accommodating and caring and I would highly recommend her for family law matters. She has also assisted me in business law matters by drafting very specific contracts and has been a diligent and strong advocate on behalf of my business.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Marjorie (Brunelli) DeCastro-Hirsch, Esq. from The Law Offices of DeCastro-Hirsch, P.A. is an amazing lawyer. She was recommended to us because she used to work for the banks, and she knew the tricks they used to screw people. So perhaps we expected too much from the start. She is very personable and likeable. But when we hired her for a foreclosure battle, she was the only person on her staff. She is overworked and underappreciated. That is a shame. I really thought she would fight harder, but the problem was the banks still used the tricks. When I started to ask questions and forgive me, ask for replies, well things went south. She was offended when I wanted to know what was going on with my case. And so my case was settled, the bank made an extra $3000 off me, and so did she. Lesson learned. She is a great attorney, just not a fit for us. She owed me paperwork in the end, and never replied to emails sent. But it is ok. The best thing I can say is that we wanted to hire her to handle another legal matter for us, we went to another law firm and we are happier.
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28 Jun, 2024 by James
Diana helped me with the relocation of my son from Florida to South Carolina. I am very pleased with her attention to detail and her knowledge.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Yuly
La mejor Abogada. Trabaja con amor a lo que hace, tiene mucha pasiencia y dedication. Recomendada al 1,000 %. Le preocupa sus clientes como si fueran de la familia. Quede super contenta con su trabajo
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25 Dec, 2023 by Victoria
Diana was a very honest and hardworking person. She really does seem to care about her work and her clients. I admire how humane and fair she was and I would recommend her to anyone dealing with any case that she can work with
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24 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
WORST LAWYER I HAVE EVER HIRED. FAMILY CASE. HE DID NO WORK ON MY CASE. My child was taken by the father without paternity proven. I finally found out from the police department to go downtown and file an emergency pick up order three weeks after hiring Gary, which he should’ve notified me of After having him as a turning on dial, which he didn’t. I GOT MY SON BACK ON MY OWN. DO NOT USE GARY
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28 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
If there were more than 5 stars I’d give them to Gary in a heartbeat!
A friend recommended that I use him for my DV hearing. I was nervous because my case is very complicated and I gave Gary very little notice.
After our first call, I knew that this man was going to give it his all and it’s not everyday you find that. He exceeded all of my expectations and went above and beyond. I am forever grateful!
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29 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
In 2014 I had a DUI case with property damage something I wasn’t proud of, I hired Gary Gonzalez. He was extremely professional, thorough, and honest. I appreciated him every step of the way. Needless to say I avoided jail time. I definitely would recommend Gary to anyone.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Do not use Virginia's services. I am disappointed with the work I had with Virginia; she only cares about money and the only thing she did was damage my case and turn it against me. It was a waste of time and money, she left everything in a mess.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Tatiana
I recently had a consultation with Virginia, and I was truly impressed by her professionalism. She clearly and thoroughly explained all aspects of my situation, breaking everything down step by step. Her advice gave me a clear understanding of my next steps. If you’re looking for an experienced and attentive family lawyer, I highly recommend!
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18 Oct, 2021 by Andre
All she care about is only money with no results please don’t use her. I lost my case because she was not prepared and the other lawyer rip her apart . Big recommendation to everyone if you want to loose a case don’t use her.
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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:
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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.
