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08 Oct, 2024 by Matt
Chris helped me with a long aggravating divorce which was made harder because of a some other family items outside of just my marriage. He was very easy to reach and very good at responding to my texts and emails. Chris worked very hard with my ex wife’s lawyers trying to get things settled. He was very knowledgeable of the divorce process and was able to explain any emails or things I didn’t understand or had questions for. Chris was very professional and when needed was available to meet in person.
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26 Sep, 2024 by James
I highly recommend Christopher. If you have a legal concern, this is the person you want to work with. Very highly recommend.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Stephanie
I initially spoke to Chris when a friend referred me to him for consultation regarding starting a divorce process. However, it was soon evident that I would need to hire a lawyer to help me navigate what was potentially going to be a messy and long divorce, mostly concerning money and our one child together. Hiring Chris was the best thing I did! He is clear and concise when speaking and I felt he cared a lot about what I was going through. He stayed calm, even when I was stressing out, about the different stages and parts of the divorce process. There was not much going back and forth, and I felt the divorce ended well and was fair. For anyone needing help navigating a divorce and all the complexities involved, I would highly recommend Chris as the best person to help ensure a quick and fair process, especially during such a difficult time.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Nick
I retained Alan some years ago on a protection order issue, and more recently, on a contempt issue. Alan’s experience, intelligence, and ability around a courtroom really shined; it was apparent that I should’ve hired him when my legal issues first started around 2019. If you make the correct decision to hire Alan, for any need, he will speak to you plainly on the court process in a way that is understandable and thorough. I have also consulted with Alan on numerous smaller issues and his guidance has always been spot on. Great lawyer and good man to have in your corner.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Rachel
Alan is an amazing lawyer. He not only helped me, but also assisted my grandfather. He responds to emails extremely quick and you can tell he cares about his clients. Alan goes above and beyond what is asked of him and my expectations of a lawyer. I could not be more grateful of the services and assistance he provided to me. He has protected my future and I can not thank him enough. I highly recommend Alan and will use him in the future if an issue ever arises.
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05 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
He helped me through my divorce and did an excellent job. He is a great attorney. Highly recommend!
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16 Sep, 2020 by Kevin churchill
I consulted with Mr. Turner about estate planning and he was very straightforward, knowledgable and personable. His advice was instrumental in helping my family decide how to proceed. Thank you Mr. Turner!
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11 Jul, 2018 by Joanita
Recommended by a colleague who had previously worked with him on other cases, Mr. Podboy would deliver beyond our expectations as a family. I could not have asked for better legal representation, at such a desperate hour. First impression at our first meeting would suck my family members & I in, leaving us to confidently conclude, Mr. Podboy had been God sent, an answered prayer. He was highly educated, professional, empathetic, attentive, intelligent, eloquent, knowledgeable, and just a natural at what he did. His analytical mind would right away lead him to conclude and believe that I had been wrongfully accused. He was angry, determined and unrestrained in vigorously coming to my defense and proving my innocence. It was a homicide case and he went to work immediately, with a passion that would leave no stone unturned in the discovery process of the case. His many years of experience working the system was illustrated with his knowledge and display of a wide range of resources, all at his fingertips; in terms of who, where, what, why, when and how. He was confident, well versed with the ins and outs of the law, and just a pro at what he did; and he was going to fight to the last tooth. He relentlessly hammered at the prosecuting team, putting them on the defensive. His brilliance allowed him to take risks in this case which he admitted to be risks, rarely taken in other cases, with the ultimate aim of winning, whatever it took. His principle was “the truth would set me free”, always reminding me that he was paid to worry, and not me. He was brutal in his negotiations, unrestrained, and would not settle for anything that would put a criminal taint on my record. He owned the courtroom, he was poised, & had a presence that commanded respect from his colleagues and all those around. Mr. Podboy is a very reliable professional, always very attentive to detail, very accessible and promptly returns all calls, in which all concerns are addressed, hence making one feel at ease, and reducing a mountain to a valley. It wasn’t just a job for him, he went above and beyond and did his work with so much integrity, that his fellow attorneys held him in high esteem too. He is very personable, and has a very spontaneous sense of humor. There was never a dull moment with him. Even through the tough times we were faced with, he found a way to make light of the situation while comforting and calming. I could sleep well at night knowing that my lawyer had my back. He fought so hard and tackled all the obstacles with class and dignity. He took time to understand me as a person and my big family as well. Looking for a criminal attorney who will fight effortlessly, Mr. Podboy is the guy for the job. On the scale of 1 to 10 I would say 110. He delivered on my case with a dismissal! I thank God for him. I highly and honestly recommend him.
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11 Aug, 2017 by Robert
Smart, firm, powerful, quick, and know how to represent his clients. I felt from the beginning when I first came to Ron Podboy for a criminal defense case. The charges that were alleged carried 10 year to life in prison. We knew the truth and never backed down to the pressure of a fight we knew was truth. Presenting the truth isn't always easy but without his hard work and representation I would not be here today to write this review. Not guilty on all charges even when I was being put to hang by the D.A. and the "victim". Take serious consideration when your life is on the line! Ron Podboy is my choice. He was worth every penny!
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24 Aug, 2023 by Emmy
Marissa wasn't actually able to represent me, but she is amazing. Full of integrity, wit and kindness, she gave me her time, suggestions and truly helpful advice; she helped me find the right path, even if she was only a stepping stone. That is a sure sign of someone you want on your side.
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13 May, 2021 by Kgp
Marissa went above and beyond the call of duty handling a multi-faceted divorce that seemed never ending. She is steady and will pay attention to details that matter. A mentor, strong advocate for your rights in a domestic violence related case and will keep you going when you feel overwhelmed with litigation and taxing motions. She is worth every penny. My family is forever grateful.
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05 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
After working with Marissa on an extremely taxing case I can 100% say my mind about attorneys has been changed for the better. Marissa is empathetic, while being realistic and most importantly full of integrity. Being at the mercy of legal system is a tough place to be, even harder with an extremely difficult opposing party. Marissa has consistently been the calm and steady navigator we needed in this trying case and I could never thank her enough for the hard work, dedication, and heart she has given my case.
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18 May, 2015 by Melissa
I used Kim years ago during my child custody case regarding my then 5 year old son. A previous lawyer made a mess of my situation and I was on the verge of turning over custody to my son's father. Thankfully a good friend of mine recommended Kim . Kim is an angel. She helped me muster the strength and courage to fight! Kim was extremely prepared and also helped me be extremely prepared for court. The case turned out in my favor and the judge also awarded some attorney fees. I HIGHLY recommend Kim!
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26 Dec, 2012 by David
Kim represented me in a complicated post-divorce decree situation. Her work was outstanding. She was thorough, well-prepared and steadfast in working through my situation. She was supportive. She could be tough when necessary but did not need to prove her toughness by being unnecessarily contentious. She sought to contain costs. Her support staff and associate were personable, efficient, and professional.
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02 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Parrish was very responsive and engaged when we sought his counsel in the area of Family Law. We found him to be passionate about our welfare - not just our legal welfare, but also our personal welfare. He is easy to talk with, listens intently and was more interested in our outcome, than in the potential fees he would earn. We would not hesitate to recommend him.
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16 Sep, 2020 by Kevin churchill
I consulted with Mr. Turner about estate planning and he was very straightforward, knowledgable and personable. His advice was instrumental in helping my family decide how to proceed. Thank you Mr. Turner!
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01 Mar, 2017 by Margaret mckarr
Superb negotiating skills!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Robert ziegler
Incredibly well organized business that is devoted to providing an exceptional experience for its clients.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Cynthia carducci
Darlenis made a difficult decision easy to navigate. She was always available for questions and was very pleasant to work with
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31 Oct, 2024 by D's youtube
Me: Can you answer some questions about your services? New Leaf: NO. Give us money. Me: Well, I would like some things clarified first. New Leaf: NO. Give us money. Me: Fine. *pays their fee* Now Can I ask some questions about your services? New Leaf: NO. Give us money. Me: I did give you money, can I ask questions about your services now? New Leaf: No. Me: I want a refund. New Leaf: You can ask us questions now. Me: I just want a refund, I think your firm is a scam. And I'm still waiting on the refund. This firm is so compartmentalized it is just discombobulated. The right finger has no idea what the right thumb is doing. They haven't answered a single question of mine, yet I have talked to 5 people. New Leaf is a joke. Edit: I did get my refund, and to prove how little they know what's happening in their firm I got my welcome letter after my refund.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Karmine mancuso
Very helpful and knowledgeable. Even relatable employees
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10 Sep, 2017 by Rob eadie
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28 Mar, 2015 by Kathy
Joan went above and beyond to ensure that my son received the help he needed! My son was experiencing a severe manic episode associated with bipolar disorder. Joan made sure he got help when Lakewood police refused to help!!!! Thanks!
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07 Apr, 2024 by Coach
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28 Mar, 2024 by Gwen cameron
Worked with them on a personal injury case. They kept us informed throughout the process and we were happy with the resolution.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Marty frampton
I worked very closely with Meredith Quinlivan on a litigation case. She was very patient as we walked through the process together. She was diligent about collecting facts and always informing me of how the case was going. Our final settlement was very fair. I would recommend Meredith Quinlivan as a litigation attorney.
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17 Aug, 2020 by Karmine mancuso
Very helpful and knowledgeable. Even relatable employees
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10 Sep, 2017 by Rob eadie
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17 Aug, 2020 by Karmine mancuso
Very helpful and knowledgeable. Even relatable employees
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10 Sep, 2017 by Rob eadie
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17 Aug, 2020 by Karmine mancuso
Very helpful and knowledgeable. Even relatable employees
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10 Sep, 2017 by Rob eadie
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16 Aug, 2024 by Aubrey rice
Chris Radeff and her team are conscientious, caring, and dedicated representatives for their clients. I know I got incredibly fortunate to find such fantastic legal counsel, and their dedication to doing what is right is incredible. They can't control the outcome (no one can or they would be called miracle workers, not lawyers), but they will do everything they can to help people obtain freedom and present the realities of the court system that clients are entering. I have always felt as though I were truly getting "counsel" from Ms. Radeff and her colleagues, and then I was able to make the decision about which move to make, and that they understand what is happening in my situation rather than seeing me as simply a source of income. If all law firms operated on the same principles as Radeff & Hart the world would be a much better place and lawyers generally would have a better reputation.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Ryan factor
I hired Chris Radeff as a legal fee expert witness regarding opposing counsels attorneys fee following a divorce. Chris was extremely detailed in her report, very thorough on the stand, and very credible to the magistrate. Also important to note, she was very reasonable on her fees. I would recommend her as an expert witness and based from my experience, I would not hesitate to hire her as my primary attorney and highly recommend her.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Mark chapleau
I have worked together on the other side of cases with Chris Radeff many times over the years. She is professional, intelligent and works hard to focus on the needs of her clients without wasting clients time and funds over unnecessary arguments. She is a skilled courtroom attorney and a strong advocate for the practice of family law itself.
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16 Jan, 2022 by Katie davis
Terrible legal services. Literally charged me to PRINT paperwork, like that’s hard and time consuming. You can tell she doesn’t have children, and yet she’s practicing Family Law, with no clue what it takes to raise a child. If I could give a zero star rating, I would.
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20 Sep, 2021 by Shelby bruce
She won my case ( I won my case it was a slam dunk). But she charged me for every thing she could. Buyer beware.
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19 Jan, 2020 by James james
Do not use Catherine Tieman for legal needs. She represented me in a complex case. She does not understand the laws or the application of them, and does not take the time to understand her client's needs. I recently met with other past clients of hers, who have had the same experience. While she is quite pleasant, she will charge you for every second of her time, even though some of her communications are written in a manner that don't make sense (so require follow up calls or emails to clarify). Billing for poor communication is a very effective money making strategy on her part, but will leave you frustrated, especially when adding her lack of ability.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Chris thompson
The pay structure allows them to do nothing and charge for it. The owner does lie. Record your interactions. You will need it They got a bunch of money for putting paperwork in late, and wrong. Cant even spell names right.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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