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29 Oct, 2024 by Jon doles
Sara is knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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22 May, 2024 by Katherine “kay” russell
Justin consulted with me on my divorce and then on a revision of my parenting plan. He gave me a lot of really great advice, and I would highly recommend him. If I were to find myself going through the unfortunate scenario of a second divorce, I would absolutely use Justin again.
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25 Apr, 2024 by American dream
My overall experience with Justin Jacobson was excellent. He always made himself available whenever the situation with my ex became chaotic and provided me with excellent counsel and support.
Overall, he gave my case all the time and attention that was needed in a sometimes difficult and stressful situations. He was a calming and confident presence during a difficult process. His rapport and guidance was outstanding throughout; prompt, timely and open for calls, messages and quick updates.
He worked through all the questions and issues of my case. I always felt that he looked out for my family's best interests and had my back the entire time. I will continue to use Justin for other legal matters that may arise, as I'm confident in his counsel.
He also has a great team that was very responsive and supportive and kept me informed of everything happening with my case as well as what was coming ahead. I would unequivocally recommend Justin and his team.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Helen s
Great experience
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ben keller
Extremely poor communication. Seem to only prioritize cases that make the most money. Had a much larger case last year and the communication was okay. This year is something smaller but we haven't had a status in two months despite two emails to them. Would not recommend. Maybe they're overbooked but you would never know because you rarely hear from them.
UPDATE 7/30:
Two emails later, we have still heard NOTHING from the office. They incorrectly filed our original paperwork and even asked for the same paperwork we submitted to them. Updating to one star. Do not recommend. The communication is non existent.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Tammy lunsford
I'm begging anyone considering this attorney for family law please don't!! They take your money without hesitation and you won't hear anything back from them for months and phone calls and email's will go unanswered. We lost my baby niece forever and Mr .Straile did nothing for us in court but stutter as if he was terrified.There were monies spent with no invoices provided because we are charged for services not rendered. This has been the worst experience of our lives and there is not a care in the world for you or family from this attorney. It's truly a heartbreaking situation when they are supposed to be your attorney but act as if they are against you and want nothing but money.I would surely give 0 stars if I could.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Lemopo
Best of the best attorney got my case dismissed smart guy and good to have by your side.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Kingston
Christian is a true professional. if you are ever stuck in a rut he is the guy to go to!
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17 Jun, 2024 by Helen s
Great experience
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10 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
After reading reviews on this website, I decided to hire her for mediation services. I felt extremely uncomfortable at the unprofessional attitude that she exhibited towards me. I would not recommend… and really wish someone had left a review like this so that I had not chosen to use her services. I was humiliated and disappointed while dealing with her due to her lack of understanding and empathy towards my situation.
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31 Oct, 2019 by Lauren
Kristianna Cucinella is more than just your average, run of the mill attorney. Our child support/paternity case was extremely complicated, having already been settled in North Carolina court in our favor with prejudice. A move to the state of Florida instigated the opposing party to reopen the case, making the circumstances a bit more difficult and harder to navigate. When the lines of justice were unclear, Ms. Cucinella researched and dug until an answer was found or a comparable case was located that could be evidenced in court.
While no one could ever be certain of the outcome when it comes to court matters, my Husband and I were extremely confident and beyond comfortable in the effort that the entire team put into our case.
Ms. Stephanie Mack represented us on the day of court and the outcome couldn’t have been better.
It is very obvious that the duo make an incredible team with clear communication, shared knowledge, fierce work ethic, and confidence that can’t be beat. I highly recommend this firm and the ladies who work there. We can’t name a single thing that we would change, nor do we have any complaints.
Thank you Kristi and Stephanie for your hard work and dedication! This situation could have had such a negative impact on our family. You knew this and you fought for what was right. We can’t thank you enough for that and we are happy, thankful, and blessed by the experience and the ability to move forward.
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13 Jul, 2019 by Louie alvarez
Experience attorney.
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01 Apr, 2024 by Anomymous
I hired Ms. Talley for a divorce case. She seemed very friendly and nice. Turned out that once I hired her, I could never reach her until court dates and at the last minute. She never returns calls and could not answer simple legal questions. she did not take much time at all on my case.
I really felt alone and basically as if I paid her for me to represent myself.
I don't have much experience with hiring an attorney but based on my experience with Ms. Talley, If I were you. I would not waste my money. She does not care, you are nothing but a paycheck and that is how I felt.
The only reason I did not fire her is because I had put too much money into my case.
When my divorce ruling was final, she was supposed to go over legal paperwork that needed to be filed, I heard from her once to say that she would and needless to say she never did.
I sure should of held on to my money.
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29 Jul, 2016 by Josh
Attorney Talley is strongly poised, extremely well studied and calm in her demeanor. She listened and analyzed and came up with a plan that was best for our family. She maintained control with kindness and respect for all. We can't thank her enough. We feel better having her represent our family.
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29 Aug, 2015 by Jessica
Mrs. Talley's services are professional and her overall performance is structured. She is organized with her documentation and her use of technology made communication effective and easy. Mrs. Talley always makes time for her clients, she is very knowledgeable, her honesty and integrity towards me was what I appreciated the most. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Helen s
Great experience
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14 Jun, 2024 by Ben keller
Extremely poor communication. Seem to only prioritize cases that make the most money. Had a much larger case last year and the communication was okay. This year is something smaller but we haven't had a status in two months despite two emails to them. Would not recommend. Maybe they're overbooked but you would never know because you rarely hear from them.
UPDATE 7/30:
Two emails later, we have still heard NOTHING from the office. They incorrectly filed our original paperwork and even asked for the same paperwork we submitted to them. Updating to one star. Do not recommend. The communication is non existent.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Tammy lunsford
I'm begging anyone considering this attorney for family law please don't!! They take your money without hesitation and you won't hear anything back from them for months and phone calls and email's will go unanswered. We lost my baby niece forever and Mr .Straile did nothing for us in court but stutter as if he was terrified.There were monies spent with no invoices provided because we are charged for services not rendered. This has been the worst experience of our lives and there is not a care in the world for you or family from this attorney. It's truly a heartbreaking situation when they are supposed to be your attorney but act as if they are against you and want nothing but money.I would surely give 0 stars if I could.
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25 May, 2024 by Anonymous
John Ramsey is not a good lawyer he can't across very pleasant at first & quickly became very easily irritable not speaking to his client nor the client's representative nor persons that paid out finances to help the client. He only got one offer by the States Attorney & expected the family of the client to do the leg work & find witnesses to do depositions. He spoke rudely, used foul language & did not help his client in any manner that should have taken the amount of money that he required. If anyone chooses him as their future representative they are making a terrible mistake. He really needs to retire & give up his day job. I am entitled to my personal opinion like anyone else.
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16 May, 2022 by Brianna
Hopefully my review would save someone the headache. Mr. Ramsey comes across as very pleasant, but he has another side. While incarcerated, I hired him to represent me in 2 cases. The first day I was arrested my family took him the money to represent me. After not speaking with him in over 30 days and call being declined, I had my bondsman do a 3 way call. He did not answer, but returned the call within 5 mins. My bondsman explained my frustration and Mr. Ramsey got upset. He proceeded with calling the association and having my bondsman’s calls blocked from the jail house. He also called my Children’s father and told him that he believed my bondsman and I were having relations. He then decided to send me a letter in the mail stating he was withdrawing from one of my cases. I ended up spending way more time in jail because of him not communicating and his unprofessionalism. After almost 4 months in jail, I fired him. I got another attorney and was free at my next court date. His reputation is horrible. It was shocking to hear about all the bad experiences the inmates had with him. I’m shocked that he’s still able to practice after so many complaints. Beware
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28 Oct, 2019 by Carlos
He helped me when no one else would. I appreciate that he was always honest with me and would hire him again.
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09 Aug, 2023 by Carol
Monica represented me in an auto accident case. She is honest, friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I was very satisfied with the results.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Jackie
Working with this lawyer was one of the worst experiences in my life. I hired a lawyer, my ex didn't, but yet he was able to keep all the marital assets. She didn't fight for me. She is not responsible or responsive. I had so many issues during my divorce. She failed to file paperwork until I said something. I always seemed to be losing my mind with her. She never kept me up to date with proceedings and what happened next. I would have to ask the morning of court for the information to access the zoom meeting when she had the information for weeks. Then when I would get upset about her work ethic, she would gaslight me and make excuses for her behavior rather than correcting or even apologizing. We discussed things, in emails, that she was supposed to take out of the final decree. She failed to do so and refused to correct her behavior. I will never recommend her to anyone.
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21 Jul, 2023 by Emily
In May of 2021 I had a same day consultation with Monica over the phone. She offered sound legal advice and moved quickly with time sensitive actions the following day. She’s been the most communicative attorney I’ve hired (and unfortunately that list isn’t short). She has a gift for being both empathetic and knowledgeable in family law matters. When decisions are being made about your own life and the lives of your children, these traits matter deeply. I’m truly grateful for her expertise and ability to support my family during a deeply difficult season.
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12 May, 2024 by Deborah
It’s taken me longer than intended to write this review… I first met Attorney Isenberg years ago after experiencing a very difficult separation and betrayal on all fronts. I hired her to represent me in a complicated divorce and custody case that unfortunately dragged on for subsequent years with additional filings. She was outstanding! She mopped the floor with my ex-spouse’s legal counsel, who was not prepared during court proceedings. She helped me to think about best outcomes, and has continued to provide stellar service through the years.
Attorneys are not magicians - if you do your part in gathering and keeping good records, a good attorney can help resolve matters in your favor. If I could give Adriane more than five stars, I would.
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25 Nov, 2023 by Alex
Adriane not only helped with the resolution of a sensitive family matter but also was supportive and avaialble in the process. Highly recommend!
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07 Aug, 2022 by Mark
Ms. Isenberg represented me a few years ago in a horrendous set of circumstances. My children had been kidnapped and taken out of state by the mother without warning.
With the compassionate counsel and representation from Ms. Isenberg, She went after my kids for me when I did not have the ability to do it myself.
We obtained the best results that I could have hoped for at the time and me and my young children are a family again. In Many cases like mine, fathers and children do not get to be a family ever again. Ms. Isenberg and her team fought ferociously in court on my behalf and I would not have been able to do it without her in every true meaning of the phrase. I highly recommend her. It has been a few years and I wanted to return and write this as I should have previously.
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27 Mar, 2020 by Fahad
Hired him for my divorce case had to withdraw him due to his milky way of charging fees. He's been doing practicing for long in family law he couldn't figure out in 2 months how much will be the child support which i have to pay very poor performance. I understand child support numbers can be up and down he should have given me some hint and every lawyer does that to their client and for that he charged me for the work in the billing statement mentioning my paralegal Lauren did work on child support calculation what a big LIE. If you are looking for a milky lawyer he is the right choice.
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07 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
This opportunity to review Knellinger Law is too short a space to provide all the accolades I can easily attribute to the entire team. My litigation stretched out for years, so I am especially qualified to share my lengthy, ongoing, month-after-month experiences with anyone seeking methodical, competent, thorough, dedicated, and exceptionally professional representation. My experience with Knellinger Law is simply beyond reproach. If possible to prevail, they will.
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02 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Richard Knellinger, the entire team at Knellinger Law, are incredibly effective. I am very pleased with how responsive they are to my needs, and truly listen to my concerns. Mr. Knellinger provides keen insight and easily communicates the complexity of law. He exemplifies true focus and determination; standing with me as zealous advocate, prevailing in every instance before the Court. Richard Knellinger is one of the most ethical lawyers I have ever known; his commitment and attention to his clients is unparalleled.
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10 Nov, 2018 by Matthew
This review is exclusively for Casey Thompson. I'm not living in Florida anymore, but he was able to handle a relatively "messy" divorce. With kids from multiple fathers. (Which if you didn't know, all are considered yours if you are married!) I never had to step foot on a plane or anything like that. I happened to be on a somewhat fixed income, and he made sure to not go over what I could afford (hourly). I'm pretty sure he didn't charge me for some of it. And best of all is whenever I needed to talk to him, he either picked up right away or got back to me promptly. We also had a good email relationship. He definitely made a bad situation seem effortless. I strongly recommend him. Casey, if you're reading this.... thanks again!!
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09 Nov, 2018 by C.m.
This might be a bit too personal, but I feel that it is a story worth sharing. I chose to get a divorce at the end of 2017. I lost everything and gained a bunch of debt in the process. I was also court ordered to pay an unjustifiably exorbitant amount alimony to my ex. I couldn't keep up with the new debt and the alimony. I fell into a deep depression. I called the suicide hotline as I didn't know where to turn. They lent me an ear and helped me find a lawyer.
I was quickly referred to Casey Thompson. I explained my situation to him and he agreed to take me on as a client. With the help of Casey and a few weeks of solid effort, she agreed to terminate the alimony. I will forever be grateful for to him for this, he literally helped save my life.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
We hired Mr. Thompson for a family issue. He suggested a plan A and charged us for that saying that it will be enough and he know what needs to be done. After a couple of months, he proposed another plan B with some additional cost. We asked him to follow the previous plan, but all he did was to schedule a hearing with the judge. It took him almost 4 months to file for a hearing! He didn't try to find any supporting document/evidence for the judge. He was hoping that the judge would make a decision in our favor based on nothing essentially.
Anyway, in the court he was not even prepared to present our case correctly such that the judge stopped him and started asking questions to understand the case. Then judge told him what he needs to do for the next session. As a lawyer you are supposed to know them! I wouldn't recommend him.
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03 Mar, 2019 by A. f.
I think Jen was motivated more by wanting to remain chummy with my ex's attorney, than represent me. In addition, her lack of professionalism was stunning. Whenever she had to give me bad news, she insisted I come to her office. The problem was that her assistant would call me to schedule an appointment, but due to Jen's calendar, it might not be for 1-2 weeks. That meant 1-2 weeks of needless anxiety and sleepless nights. When we did meet, Jen had an amazing ability to make it about herself. One time, I was struggling to hold it together and Jen recounted that when her parents divorced when she was a freshman in college, she too struggled and turned to a life of promiscuous behaviors. In another instance, when she delivered bad news regarding money and I became upset, she told me that she too struggles with money as her husband buys and sells used cars which isn't overly profitable. Thanks Jen, but didn't need to hear either of those. In my own career, I work hard to build a professional reputation. In reading Jen's reviews, the platitudes and banalities indicate that they were not written by actual clients. Given that all court records can be easily corroborated via the clerk of the Court website,
http://www.alachuacounty.us/depts/clerk/publicrecords/pages/courtrecords.aspx
it was easy to confirm that a number of Jen's reviews are fictitious.
Ruth McIlhenny- Ms. McIlhenny wrote in part, "Jennifer's deep knowledge of collaborative family law and her empathy were key to having a positive divorce experience. She always listened, and clearly explained current law to me." Jennifer responded to the post saying, "Thank you for your review and feedback! I really enjoyed representing you." Interestingly, a search of Alachua County court records indicates that Ms. McIlhenny has never filed for divorce. However, court records indicate that she had a March 4, 2009 traffic violation in which she failed to stop at a red light. She paid a $125 fine and court records indicate that she did not retain Jennifer to assist with the payment. As a side note, I know of Ms. McIlhenny. She is a lawyer in town and presumably, would have a better than average understanding of divorce law.
Coral Cribb- Ms. Cribb wrote in part, "Absolutely LOVED working with Jennifer. She was able to take my concerns, feelings, and explanation of events and articulate them perfectly in a way I couldn't for myself." Unfortunately, a search of Court records indicate that Ms. Cribb has never filed for divorce. The only record on file is a Sep 27, 2017 speeding violation; she was driving 48 in a 35 mph zone. She paid a $159 fine and wrote a reflection on the consequences of speeding. The reflection is quite interesting and is worth a look if you have a few minutes to kill. Unfortunately, court records indicate that Ms. Cribb did not retain Jennifer for help with either paying the fine or writing the essay.
Suzy Forbes- In 2018, Ms. Forbes wrote in part, "Jennifer is so professional and caring. She really listens and goes the extra mile. I highly recommend her." A review of Court records indicates only one file on record; a divorce decree that was filed by a Suzanne Forbes in 2006. Unfortunately, court records indicate she was represented by Kevin Jurecko, ESQ, and not Jen.
There are several others that are fake including Joe Hancock. In sum, Jen spends most of her time creating online profiles for people that do not exist or coercing her friends to write about divorces that never occurred. Check it out for yourself. I long to think that if Jen had instead been invested in my case rather than concocting fictitious reviews, my outcome would have been better. With the number of attorneys in this town, you have a great many options. If you chose to hire Jen as your attorney, you do so at your own peril.
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05 Oct, 2018 by Virginia h.
I was so grateful to have Jennifer's represent me in my recent divorce. With her help, the process went quickly and things were resolved fairly. She is very knowledgeable, compassionate, and skilled in advocacy. She is also approachable and easy to talk to about difficult things, but also an excellent an zealous advocate. I have and will continue to refer friends and colleagues to her.
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20 May, 2018 by Peter s.
I approached Jennifer about representing me in a "Collaborative Divorce." Collaboratives are where each person has a lawyer, plus there is a "financial neutral" and a "mental health coach." At my first meeting with Jennifer, she assured me that she had done numerous "collaboratives" and could represent me well. She explained how collaboratives are different from litigated divorces, and I understood those important differences. I eventually asked, "How much will all this cost (ie, for all four professionals)?" She hemmed and hawed and did not want to give me a number. She said that each situation is unique and costs can vary greatly. I told her that I understood this, so I then asked her for the costs for her last five collaboratives, since she had done so many. She was even more uncomfortable with the question. I told her that perhaps a collaborative process wasn't for me, at which time she said, "About $10,000 total." I asked, "Worse case scenario?" She said, "$12,500." I retained her at that time. The billing was slow at the beginning, but once my financial information was provided to the collaborative team, the billing picked up. When those subsequent bills hit, the total cost was at $24,835, and we were only half way through the process. While Jennifer has the right to bill whatever she deems is appropriate, misrepresenting those costs made me quite upset. Jennifer and the other 'professionals' told me that in exchange for paying current invoices, all future billing would be suspended. I expressed my disgust with Jennifer in very clear terms. Her response was, "Had you litigated the divorce in court, the costs would have been much higher." I replied, "That may very well be true, but it is irrelevant, as I did not ask for the cost of a litigative divorce." I challenged Jennifer and told her that if she produced the total costs for her last five collaboratives, and the average cost was $10,000 or less, I'd donate a $1,000 to the charity of her choice. She declined my offer. The "financial neutral" was Helen Gyllstrom and the "Mental Health" professional was Bill Farley. Both were equally complicit in the fraud as they saw and heard Jennifer's $10,000 estimate several times and said nothing, yet knowing full well that the costs would go well beyond $10K. I spoke with a friend in Nebraska who is a divorce lawyer. After explaining my situation to him, he stated that while each circumstance is unique and there are differences from state to state, my divorce should have costed around $5K - $6K. Honestly, the Gainesville Collaborative Divorce group is run like a criminal cartel with Jennifer being one of the crime family heads. In closing, I can't tell you who to retain as your divorce lawyer. What I can tell you however, is that Jennifer and her colleagues were not truthful about the collaborative divorce process. Jennifer is also being reported to the Bar for this. It is frustrating when you're paying someone to professionally represent your interests and that person looks you straight in the eye on Day 1, and is not truthful.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Maritza Arroyo did NOT advocate for me at all during my divorce. Just fell to her knees in front of my ex-husbands divorce attorney, Cynthia Swanson. It was unbelievable. It was like she was a groupie of hers; in awe of her ball-buster reputation.
I had a solid case of an ex husband who was/is a DANGER to my 3 year old's welfare due to documented drug abuse, but she convinced me to mediate and accept my ex-husbands proposals. Terrified me with the prospect of going to trial since I had no financial resources and he had all the money. It was unbelievably unethical. Rude paralegal as well (Kayla). They both made me feel like I was always bothering them when I contacted them. Wish I had trusted my gut and went with another attorney
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18 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Arroyo is an outstanding attorney. I have used her on more than one occasion for various legal issues and have been very pleased each time. If at any time in the future I need legal advise, I will turn to Ms. Arroyo. I have complete trust in her knowledge of law and recommend her to others all the time. If you need an attorney that knows law, that can be trusted and will keep you up to date on your case, Ms. Arroyo is the person to help you. Not only is she an amazing attorney, her staff is very knowledgeable and helpful too.
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15 Feb, 2018 by Patrick
Gary is a board certified family lawyer with 45 years experience. He is very compassionate towards his clients and uses his vast experience to get the most for your case. Gary uses the law and the resources it provides to win your case. I would highly recommend Gary. He is not part of a huge law firm and he takes each case to heart and gets to know the person he is representing. He is willing to meet you after normal office hours when he is available. Gary is a great lawyer.
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04 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
This lawyer charged me exhorbitant fees for his services, so much that even the judge who recently met with me was appalled. (I was too naive, never had a lawyer before and didn't know what normal charges should be. For all the money I gave him, he did absolutely nothing for me except pretend to care when I was upset.
He says he's a "specialist" in marital affairs- yet you might be surprised as I was, that he claims he had to do research after almost each and every contact.(actually, you might only see that when you get the bill.)
Also, he treated me as a child in the respect that after he told me something two times and I said "I understand, he tersely replied, "NO, you don't"- so he insisted on taking more time to tell me the same thing a THIRD time.
Certainly I need to be a bit familiar with it as things come up along the way- but it is HIS JOB to know the laws !!! May I suggest you watch what he researches,(remember, he claims he's a "specialist!) and keep very, very, careful records of every call, every conversation,and all dates of contact with him, too. I had to eventually fire him and start my divorce over from scratch.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Zanyah
It took Miss Lopez two years and counting to do and process my adoption keys which she has made continuous and I cannot stress that enough continuous call out whether she “sick” or she’s going out of town on vacation. She is extremely rude when you complain and ask her what’s taking so long extremely passive aggressive despite you paying her I would never hire someone with incompetent and extremely rude in my life ever again. Having my life put on hold because she does It took Miss Lopez two years and counting to do and process my adoption keys which she has made continuous and I cannot stress that enough continuous call out whether she’s sick or she’s going out of town on vacation. She is extremely rude when you complain and ask her what’s taking so long extremely passive aggressive despite you paying her. 0/10 I wouldn’t recommend her to my WORST enemy.
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05 Sep, 2019 by Lee
(Family Law regarding Parental Alienation and Contempt of Court). Rarely responded to emails on issues, Became passive 2 days before hearing and wanted to drop all issues on contempt of court. Feel as though there was no consideration, compassion or care shown regarding clear issues.
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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:
-
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.
