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14 Aug, 2024 by Janet
Karen definitely had my best interest at heart! She exceeded my expectations! Definitely recommend !!!!!!!!
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11 Oct, 2023 by Appolonia
Karen has fought for me tooth and nail in every legal matter I’ve even faced with thus far. She is always the smartest lawyer (and person) in the room, and I could not be happier she’s the one I went with. She has been there for me both on and off the clock as she really cares about her clients- not just making a dollar. I will forever be grateful for Karen and will recommend her to absolutely any and everyone who needs any sort of legal advice/legal representation!
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04 Oct, 2023 by Laura
Karen is the type of attorney you need on your side. Absolutely the best Divorce attorney. She truly cares about you and your financial future. She is thorough, prepared and thinks of all avenues and obstacles that may arise. She explains everything in detail and keeps you informed on every aspect of the case. If you are looking for someone to be aggressive, knowledgeable, kind to your feelings Karen is your lawyer. I recommend her 100%.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Will
Chris has been an absolute blessing to work with. Hes is extremely knowledgeable and very professional. He has always been quick to reply or call back anytime I've sent or left a message. His knowledge and expertise is with divorce and custody is outstanding! I would HIGHLY recommend his serbice to anyone going through a divorce and/or custody case.
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20 Oct, 2021 by Nikesha
He explained the process and possible outcomes. Very professional and pleasant. Not money hungry and ethical. I had a great experience and we were able to get some of the money back which is better than none.
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18 May, 2021 by Ryan
I needed a lawyer to help with a business dispute and Chris was very helpful every step of the way. He made sure I understood what was going on and was constantly in contact throughout the process
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04 Aug, 2020 by Krissty
My services with the law firm of William J. Leonard was outstanding. I remembered the first time being in touch with Mr. Leonard's office and the way he handle my case I was so amazed. His diligence, knowledge and experience has help me restore a part of my life that I thought was lost. I am grateful for the help that I received and will use his services again in the future to retrieve custody of my daughter.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Scott
This man corrected the course of my life. I don't know what else to say except he gets 10 out of 5 stars in my book!
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13 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Jeff Leonard is a great attorney!! He is extremely knowledgable and patient as he takes the time to answer any and all questions you may have. I was extremely worried about the outcome of my criminal charges but could not have asked for better results. He really is the man!!
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15 Jun, 2020 by Suzanne
Scott prepared our wills and powers of attorney quickly and for an affordable price. He came to the house and took care of everything for us. I highly recommend him!
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13 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Wonderful attorney! A real bulldog. Takes no bull. When my ex attempted to verbally assault me during a hearing, she defended me. In fact, I pushed my chair back because it was getting intense. She is well educated and tells you what you need to know. Prepares for your case and is sharp.
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25 May, 2014 by Anonymous
Office and stafff was very helpful. i have had attorneys in the past and it was always difficult to get calls returned. Not with Mr> Lucas, he was very responsive. He did a very good job of explaining things to me and I always felt prepared for all court proceedings.
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08 Apr, 2021 by Mr.griffey
Beat 16 out of 17 charges for me with no problem he's well worth the money thank you mister colecchia.
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31 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Brian has handled many legal matters for me, my family, and friends. I refer anyone who ask me about legal help to Attorney Cavanaugh because I can trust he will give them professional and honest advice.
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17 Nov, 2015 by Robert
I can tell Mr. Skala cares even before I saw him. He returned my call before anyone. Once we decided on a date and time for the first consultation, a lot of stress was relieved. Thank you Mr. Skala.
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28 Jan, 2022 by Chris
Attorney Abby De Blassio and her team were supportive and professional throughout my divorce process. They kept in touch, answered questions promptly and took a very positive, low-drama approach to handling the proceedings. All interactions were virtual because of the pandemic, but I nevertheless felt that Abby took a warm personal interest in achieving the best possible outcome for me. I highly recommend this practice to anyone who needs an efficient, professional and empathetic divorce attorney.
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26 Jan, 2018 by Melanie
My experience with Abby was a positive one. She and Julie handled my divorce seamlessly. She always returned my calls in a timely manner and had answers to all my questions. She advised me on planning for my mortgage refinance and was able to settle the case without going to court. I sincerely appreciate the level of service that was provided. I was recommended to Abby by a fellow attorney when I asked about Divorce attorneys in Greensburg. I am extremely satisfied with the handling of my case. I would definitely recommend Abby and her staff for domestic matters. You will not be disappointed.
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01 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I retained Abby DeBlassio to represent me in a PFA and Divorce proceeding. I was completely dissatisfied with the her representation. I found her to be unsympathetic and at times condescending. I provided her with all of my financial information as requested to determine my portion of the marital estate. She gave all of my financial information to my spouse's attorney; however, we did not get all of his financial information in return. As a result, I never was given any substantive information as to even an approximate value of my portion of the marital estate. When asked about my portion of the marital estate, she told me she could not provide a figure because she does not have an accurate picture of my spouses's financials. To add insult to injury, i explained to her that I was looking for a home and I quote she said, "You should buy my home but you probably couldn't afford". I have paid her nearly $5,000 to represent me in my PFA and divorce proceedings and she just requested an additional $1,600.00 for a retainer. Nothing substantive has occurred in relation to resolving divorce proceeding. Her firm consists of her and her paralegal. I have been told numerous times that either her or her paralegal are not available because of vacation or personal matters. Friday afternoons and the weekends not likely to get any response to a query. My experience was not positive or favorable. I ended the professional relationship when she told me that she is not an attorney that is available 24/7/365 a year. I simply wanted an attorney that was available during Monday - Friday at least 9-5. That certainly was NOT my experience.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Lourdes fleckenstein
He's a very decent and personable attorney. I highly recommend him.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Tyler hughes
I was facing my second DUI with a possible 6 mo jail sentence and a license suspension including an ignition interlock. I hired Atty Jeff Leonard and he argued that my speedy trial right had been violated. The case was dismissed and now I can move to another state and pursue my career. No fines, court costs nothing. Thanks Jeff!
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10 Oct, 2023 by Patrick gouin
Terrible communication.
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13 Feb, 2024 by Jennifer g
To say this woman is an angel is an understatement, she believed in my situation and helped us more than I could ever imagine. She fought hard and honestly for my son, she proved he was innocent and helped us navigate some horrible times and kept me as calm as I could be kept. I wish I could repay her in some way but I hope she is truly blessed in life she deserves that
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30 Dec, 2023 by Jeff byers
You can do better for sure than working with this firm. My divorce case was a joke.....I had to explain financial concepts that the attorney should have known. What a waste.
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30 Aug, 2023 by Diedra dibucci
Very responsive and gave good advice
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04 Jul, 2024 by Matthew
Could not be more disappointed in the effort. It’s one thing to get a raw deal from a very broken system. It’s another to feel like your attorney couldn’t care less. You would think that before a conversation with your client, you would have done some prep and know the broad strokes of the case…. When you have tell your attorney how long your marriage was over and over again, it just sends an “I don’t care” message to your client. At least the first 3 times we spoke I had to tell her the length of marriage. Dealing with the issue of spousal support, where length of marriage is a key factor, you would think that you would not have to answer that question repeatedly. I know this to be true, because it stuck in my mind. I started having 2nd thoughts during each of the first couple conversations. Didn’t get the sense she cared one bit about the case. We had a meeting scheduled several days prior to a court hearing. 1pm she was to call me. I sat around for hours. No call. Now she claims that she called and nobody answered. Well I have no missed call. I have no voicemail. I have no email. No communication whatsoever until 7:30am, on the day of the hearing, 5 days later. Zero effort made to contact me in the 5 days between the scheduled call and meeting. After that January date until the next scheduled hearing, in April, we did not have a single conversation. I wasn’t even sure I was still being represented at that point. I had already become indifferent as to whether or not she would be at the next hearing. I get a call at 4:30pm the day prior. It’s not her paralegal. It’s not my attorney. It’s another attorney from the firm who I worked with on a different case. I had more contact with him during the hearing than I did with my attorney of record. Matter of fact, from January on, even past that April date, we didn’t have a single conversation where privilege would attach. Because we never communicated. Just absolutely unbelievable… you can’t guarantee results, but you will never get results if you fail make any effort. I know opposing counsel is digging into my finances and anything he can get his hands on. I couldn’t even get my attorney to request a copy of my wife’s unemployment claim, even with an easy in to the claim as a personal friend of mine is a supervisor with PA Unemployment office and I just simply needed to have an official request. Sounds like “inadequate discovery” to me….
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20 Jan, 2023 by Todd
Attorney Debra Henry is a wonderful attorney. She is very professional, knowledgeable and truly cares about her clients. I would highly recommend Attorney Henry for your legal needs. Her staff is also wonderful.
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15 May, 2020 by Jennifer
Debra was the most professional and kindhearted during one of the most difficult times in my life. She went above and beyond measure to Assist me in the necessary action. I felt extremely at ease once I placed what seemed so impossible into her hands. She truly is a wise, tender, yet strong woman I would recommend Debra to anyone. She takes care of business. :). Thank you Ms Henry and your staff :)
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10 May, 2020 by Suckered by a lawyer
He represented me years ago in a divorce pfa that was being used as a tactic and not because it was valid. Lets just say Monzo didn't provide any type of argument to the judge he just went along with everything. He was more interested in talking to staff that he knew in the court than representing me. Take the money and run type of process.
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18 May, 2019 by Steve
Jeff did a great job for me and my family, without him I'd be in a very hard situation, very kind, thoughtful, and knows the correct course to take... He would ask my opinion on a matter for the court, and I trusted him enough to just defer to him... SO, I had a case that went on for just shy of 2 and a half yrs...DUI, (multiple offenses (this was a big deal for my family and I...)) He was there every step of the way, and his approach worked! Fantastic trial attorney, he got me 2 not guilty verdicts in under 12 minutes..... This man is what the reviews say.... While Jeff made me no gaurantees that it would end in my favor, he was straight up to me, and said ..." If I did not think you have a shot, I'd tell you to take the deal.... But I do believe there is a chance here.... How do you want to proceed?" That impressed me... As he could have promised the world and I'd probably have bought it ..... But he was honest, he did not tell me a percent of win, because he said that would be unfair to get my hopes up and the jury come back with an unfavorable verdict..... I respect Jeff's character, and his fight .... He is excellent at finding holes in the case and he does a fantastic job of creating doubt... Jeff Monzo helped me way beyond what he was paid for.... His services were worth every penny and if I EVER (hopefully not) EVER, have another legal matter..... He is whom I am calling. Thank you Jeff, from my family and my self!
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13 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Jeff is hands down the best attorney. He is very good about explaining the details of what you could expect and what he direction he is going to take. He cares for his clients rights and best outcome. I will always recommend him to any in need of fighting for their freedom and to make sure they are not wrongfully convicted. Thanks Monzo and Galloway!!!!!!!
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05 May, 2024 by Tom shaner
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23 Jan, 2024 by Bernie blystone
John and assistant Susan have been a tremendous help in helping me with all the legal work associated with the death of our mother. Very compassionate and caring. I highly recommend John and staff for your legal needs.
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14 Jan, 2024 by Daniel white
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20 May, 2019 by I want my money back
I hired David represent me in the courtroom for a PFA case. The reason I hired Dave because he seems knowledgeable behind closed doors. In the courtroom David was a totally different animal. If I had to compare him to someone it would be the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. It was a sad thing to watch. If I didn't know any better I would say it was his first time ever being in the courtroom . First off,the police report My main evidence wasn't even allowed to be presented. As you can imagine everything went downhill from there.
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12 Nov, 2015 by Monette
I am grateful for the services rendered and absolutely resolved in my case for consumer protection. Mr. Mulock took copious notes in order to completely understand my case. I am aware of the hours of work that backed-up my complaint legally. He competently and reasonably negotiated a more than fair settlement out of court. Mr. Mulock was very easy to speak with and demonstrated excellent communication skills both written and verbal. His legal outline of the case for presentation was excellent and in it I had total confidence in the event that litigation was necessitated. Thank you David.
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08 Apr, 2020 by Dillon
She was appointed to me through Laurel Legal services. She never once listened to our side of the story, looked at the 10 years of paperwork I acquired through raising my daughter and keeping records of everything along the way. Then when we went to court she treated the opposing lawyer as a friend, saying he is a good friend of mine from outside of work. She was constantly rude, spoke down to myself and my wife and in the end I ended up firing her and representing myself. I lost custody of my child and I DO blame her. She never even tried to listen. Please, find another lawyer. For your best Interest.
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26 Mar, 2015 by Tina
Spend your hard earned money elsewhere on credible, legal representation. But if you enjoy being talked to in a rude, condescending manner, she's your girl! Not to mention her rate of $150 an hour fresh out of law school, however, that doesn't matter when Dad owns the practice. We sought out this firm from a referral (some friend that is) for a family law/custody issue. She spent the first half hour of the consultation reviewing the previous custody docket and reiterating things we already knew. Then offered little advice as to what to actually do? Then proceeding to bluntly say that we were in this situation because we never followed up with the next steps...I thought that is why you pay an attorney so they can cover all these bases. Needless to say, we wasted $150 dollars on an hour long consultation consisting of her going in circles, talking down to us and telling us information we already knew. After feeling inferior and quite stupid, she then extends her offer to represent us. Why in the world would we want the likes of you and the manner you conduct your pretentious self in to represent us?!? Upon leaving, she kindly made a copy of the PA Child Support brochure and gave us that. Most expensive piece of paper I've ever bought. Sadly, I am not done yet. As if our experience wasn't rude and degrading enough, the support brochure she provided us with was for the wrong county. In the hour she wasted our time and reviewed a docket we were all too familiar with, she still couldn't even manage to get the county correct. If you are considering this firm, I'd bypass entirely but if not, schedule an appointment with Old Man Catalano; I am sure he has far more experience and professionalism. Last but not least, don't even bother telling her your name, she wont get it right no matter how many times you say it and most certainly DO NOT try to pay with cash, she can charge $150 an hour for her useless services but can't make change for $160.
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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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