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15 Jan, 2025 by Heather white
Attorneys Judy Sartain and Catherine Sartain were fantastic. Their whole team of attorneys, paralegals, and staff guided me through the legal process and obtained the desired outcome with flying colors! Look no further with your search for representation... Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor will take good care of you and your situation.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Danielle richeson
Does not return phone calls and lies that papers have been filed. Worst lawyer ever!
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04 Oct, 2024 by Layla frey
We reached out to Judy Sartain for our complex private adoption needs, and let me tell you, if you need someone in family law, Judy And her team will get it done!! They worked SO hard for our family, and 14 months later, thanks to them our little girl is OFFICIALLY a Frey. Thank you, Judy, Kristy, Catherine, Stephanie, Maira and Brittni!!! Yall are AMAZING.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
This lawyer is guilty of gross negligence in my case. I cannot believe all of the positive reviews here it's certainly not the person I hired.
He will lie about paperwork and collect your money. I see his vehicle often in front of the oriental health spa. He's on a different medication every time I see him and thinks it's OK because some doctor gave them to him. He didn't show up for court and kept my money. I have nothing good to say and I believe everything the negative comments claim. His wife supports him unless he cons someone with lots of money. These good reviews are fake. Some day he'll reap what he's sewed.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Tanya
I went in for a consultation for a divorce and while there i decided to hire Mr. THOMPSON. He quoted me a price and U brought cash to hum and paid in full within the week. Three months later I found out he never filed my papers and the attorney he was working beside said he owed him rent. I tried several times to get my money back with no effort and had to get another attorney to handle my case. I would never ever use hum nor recommend him to represent anyone..
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10 Apr, 2016 by Meredith manson
I was alittle skeptical at first after reading a malacious review left by a client of his, but i was totally wrong about jason. He went above and beyond to put my two cases together after the courts still didnt have all my paperwork. He had them dig deep to get my files. Ive never seen a person like him get everything together on such short notice. I was faced with a huge ton of fines that got cut down more than half. He is very professional and very intellegient when it comes to law and music. This guy bent over backwards to help me get my sentence dropped and fines cut in half . He helped me so much to where i can get my life back on track. I will continue to refer him to any of my family and friends. Just be upfront and honest with him and he will work wonders for you. He definately had my back and instead of having to continue to waste my time in court due to lack of paperwork and to keep going he made it possible that day to where i had both cases put together so it would be done and over with. I was highly impressed with the outcome. Keep up the excellent work. You helped me get my life back and i am forever greatful. Your an amazing lawyer who helped change my life. Without your help, i wouldnt have gotten the best plea deals without you. Thank you jason thompson. My family and i thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now time to test your music skills big boy!!
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19 Oct, 2024 by Rosa arce
Awesome and fast results!!! I recommend
Thank you so munch it’s been a pleasure
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09 Oct, 2024 by Cindy juarez
21 Mar, 2024 by Aubrey swofford
In my life i have not always had good luck with attorneys.
Mr. Patterson told me up front this is what I can do, this is what it's gonna cost and this is about how long it's gonna take.
His firm stayed in contact with me, and answered my questions when I called.
I was comfortable thru the whole process.
I will definitely use his firm again.
I highly recommend Bart Patterson and Associates.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Rosa arce
Awesome and fast results!!! I recommend
Thank you so munch it’s been a pleasure
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09 Oct, 2024 by Cindy juarez
21 Mar, 2024 by Aubrey swofford
In my life i have not always had good luck with attorneys.
Mr. Patterson told me up front this is what I can do, this is what it's gonna cost and this is about how long it's gonna take.
His firm stayed in contact with me, and answered my questions when I called.
I was comfortable thru the whole process.
I will definitely use his firm again.
I highly recommend Bart Patterson and Associates.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Rosa arce
Awesome and fast results!!! I recommend
Thank you so munch it’s been a pleasure
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09 Oct, 2024 by Cindy juarez
21 Mar, 2024 by Aubrey swofford
In my life i have not always had good luck with attorneys.
Mr. Patterson told me up front this is what I can do, this is what it's gonna cost and this is about how long it's gonna take.
His firm stayed in contact with me, and answered my questions when I called.
I was comfortable thru the whole process.
I will definitely use his firm again.
I highly recommend Bart Patterson and Associates.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Holly conley
They didn't show up for my fiance court date and told him that he would keep his car then the judge tells him something different and they didn't call him and tell him that they wouldn't be there for court and then they don't answer the phone then they don't email you back for days very unprofessional service
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11 Apr, 2019 by Laura lazo
Susan is great and goes above and beyond for her clients! Five stars!
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23 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Hurts children and families badly. Incompetent reporting caused children to be taken out of private school making straight A's to dropping out doing drugs. Then tries to have the parent arrested on Christmas for not paying her fraudulent fees from a handwritten whited out invoice. Very unprofessional.
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24 Sep, 2018 by Tony
This review is for Chandelle Summer. My girlfriend and I chose a consultation with Chandelle based on her proximity to my girlfriends home in Gainesville. We were seeking a simple enforcement action against an ex husband for not paying court ordered alimony. The jurisdiction is one county over in Forsyth County so before making the appointment we asked if she handled cases in that court and was told that she did. We were a bit surprised that the consultation fee of $250 was collected upfront, upon arrival, but thought little of it.
We arrived at the appointment on time and Chandelle was late, we thought little of it as a successful attorney was bound to be busy. We brought all of the relevant files on a USB drive for Ms Summer's review but was surprised that she did not know how to view digital files on her office computer and had to call for her assistant. By now the red flags are starting to really pop up. We told her that we had called ahead about her working in Forsyth County and she then told us that she rarely if ever worked there and she did not know the judges but she was sure they had heard of her. After that she told us 3 separate stories of how she lost cases like this that she thought she should have won.
We felt sorry for her and asked if she knew attorneys in Forsyth County she would recommend and she said she did not but gave us the name of a firm that might be okay. As we reflected on how bad of a consultation this was we decided to email Ms Summers and ask for a refund explaining that we had no problem paying her $250 if she was to represent my girlfriend as this would be part of case preparation. I am the owner of an online marketing company so I track all email opens, SHE NEVER OPENED OUR EMAIL MARKED "FOLLOW UP", which could have indicated that we were following up to hire her. After days of not opening our email, thinking this could be part of her computer illiteracy, we called the office and spoke with the receptionist to ask her to ask Ms Summers to check her email. She never did! So we copied the secretary with the original email, still no response, then made four phone calls, still no response.
This is very poor treatment of a would be client. If you chose to use Ms Summer beware in her own estimation she loses cases she thinks she should of won, she may not respond to your questions, either by email or multiple phone calls.
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17 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Hired Mrs. Summer for a divorce, she didn't listen to me at all! She wasn't prepared for the trial and fumbled over a number of facts that were missed and should have been brought out. If I wasn't in such a hurry to get a lawyer, I would have done a better job selecting a lawyer.
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30 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
use ms. summer for child visitation. Has worse visitation after everything was over than before hearing started. if she did not think things should be changed it was her duty to drop client and refund some on the fee. this was my experience
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08 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Christie's arrogance far outweighs her abilities and skills. Arrogant, unprofessional, unprepared, and an absolute failure in the courtroom. A complete waste of money.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
