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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
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18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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09 Nov, 2021 by Philip
Rich truly has his clients’ best interest always in mind. I can’t say enough about his passion and his personal connection with who he is trying to help.
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06 Feb, 2021 by Lisa
Excellent law firm. Partner Rich Weiner came highly recommended as well as attorney Patricia Ferraro. They were knowledgeable, thorough, diligent and understanding in guiding me through one of the toughest times in my life, producing the best possible outcome for my case. One of my smartest decisions was having them represent me and I would say if you are thinking of using this law firm feel confident that your best interest is their number one priority.
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15 Apr, 2020 by Roger
Finished my divorce case earlier this year and wanted to thank Rich Weiner and Patty Ferraro for going the extra yard for me. Their work with the forensic accountant that we selected proved to be the difference. They quickly were able to really understand my family business and no way was the other side nearly as educated on issues of value at any point in the process. I would not hesitate to recommend either attorney to any of my friends.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
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18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
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18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
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18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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30 Apr, 2024 by Alina matusevich
I am immensely grateful for the outstanding support and guidance provided by Marina Ginzburg throughout my divorce. As a mother of four, her expertise and compassion were invaluable. Marina demonstrated professionalism and empathy at every turn, guiding me through the process with clarity and dedication. Thanks to her efforts, we achieved a fair resolution that prioritized the well-being of my family. I highly recommend Marina to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate family law attorney.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Vincent l
Not very professional. Drop the ball.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Maggie c
I am a current client with Marina Ginzburg, Esquire. I have been reaching out to her for a month and never got back from her.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Robert
Hired for a simple 20 minute virtual court session, spoke one word exactly, left her computer three times to work on other cases causing the judge to roll his eyes and waste tons waiting for her return.
Most important! After three months delaying the requested fee itinerary for the $1000.00 retainer, she illegally added multiple unperformed fees totaling $1010.00. She did this deliberately to prevent upholding her own client rule stated on her site that any unused retainer payments will be refunded. During a personal live phone conversation with Toni Russo, I needed to prove more than once her negligence in fiduciary role I paid her for, proving she worked no more than exactly 12 minutes. She refunded me $500.00 and has been sending non stop bills accumulating interest based on the $10.00 she conjured up illegally. Currently i am working with the NJ Office of Attorney Ethics and US Bar Assiciation.
Do NOT communicate with Toni Anne Russo on any matter!!
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26 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I wanted to work with her partner but was assigned to her. She was off putting, and I felt like she was not representing me for what I needed. As a result, I found another lawyer.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Unfortunately I was too deep into the process to switch attorneys. I physically handled and negotiated my case. Made copies, provided responses to other attorneys because Russo did not reply timely. The responses that were provided by the firm had another clients information. At one point I was emailed another clients entire divorce settlement. I was also mailed a copy of the same parties personal information. She drags everything out as long as possible to keep collecting, review your bills carefully as I found over $1K in discrepancies for meetings or phone calls which never took place. I was billed for services performed by the paralegal (Amanda) where they tried to attach the attorneys hourly rate. Overall terrible experience, other attorneys do not respect her which was evident.
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15 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
My daughter couldn't have made it through her divorce process without Michael's wisdom, guidance, and patience. Words cannot express our thanks and appreciation!
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21 Jun, 2017 by Robert
Micheal has been my attorney through a horrible shameful divorce and custody battle since 2012.
After 5 long years, Micheal is still fighting the battles and the road blocks that my ex-wife keeps throwing our way.
The father always seems to be considered "second class" with the court system which makes it hard to always get to the truth. Micheal will always make sure that your child's voice is heard to help fulfill your child's needs.
We had 4 parent coordinators, 2 guardian alignments, therapists, and social services in place which has been extremely expensive and heartbreaking across the board. Micheal has waived my fees sometimes during all of these services because the expenses were out of control and I was unable to keep up.
He always puts my sons needs and best interest first as he continues to support and help me fight this horrible battle. Micheal Spinato has gone beyond the call of duty during the last 5 years and I stand behind him 110% to stand up for my rights as a dad. I would not want any other attorney in my corner, for Micheal is the best around!
Robert
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23 Apr, 2017 by M
Michael Spinato came highly recommended to me, and I was extremely fortunate that I had the opportunity to hire him. Michael is not only the ultimate professional and is an expert on Divorce law, but is warm, generous, and empathetic to his clients. Going through such a horrible situation I always felt protected.... I knew that I was going to be ok... all because I had Michael representing me. He is extremely well versed in his profession and happens to be such a gentleman as well. He always understood what I going through and he showed emotion, compassion and care as he handled my case. This, to me, is what makes him stand out above others attorneys. As a woman, I needed to know that my children and I would be protected, be treated fairly and receive all I was entitled to. Michael was also extremely attentive to me, answering my emails and phone calls quickly, ultimately making me feel like I was his only client.
Michael is the ultimate professional... in his manner, speech and his correspondences. He is extremely well respected among his peers. As we would walk through the courthouse, everyone knew him and genuinely greeted and spoke with him with respect. My judge actually made sure to point out to me in court how I was very lucky to have such a highly respected attorney representing me.
Lawyers are expensive, but hiring Michael Spinato is the best money I have ever spent. Looking back, hiring Mr. Spinato was also one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
You will be in such competent hands with Michael. I recommend him highly and I will be using Michael to handle other matters post divorce as well.
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01 Oct, 2021 by Natasha
Ms. Jerijian is a highly intelligent and eloquent attorney. She is a great communicator and we never had to chase her. I contacted Ms. Jerijian seeking legal representation for a young family member. Unlike the other attorneys I interviewed, Ms. Jerijian listened patiently and carefully, and did not give us the bum’s rush or pressure us. Without going into detail, our family member had been dealing with recent difficult events that had bearing on the matters. Ms. Jerijian’s compassion and understanding, coupled with her knowledge of the law and the various NJ court systems, deeply impressed me – as did the rapport she developed with the young family member, which caused him to trust her and accept her guidance. She never treated him like just another case. In my opinion, this helped the prosecutor and the court consider all relevant factors. We were very pleased with the resolution.
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10 May, 2021 by Louise
Rita Jerejian was knowledgeable and reliable. She patiently answered all of my questions. My matter was handled very efficiently and her fees were reasonable. I highly recommend her!
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25 Jun, 2015 by Timothy
Rita did a good job representing me in a very difficult domestic violence case. The case took 5 days of trial and forced me to travel back and forth to New Jersey multiple times but she was very responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend her.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
Read more
23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
Read more
18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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25 Jun, 2024 by Y kornblau
Kevin Bremer is a powerhouse of an attorney. You should never need a lawyer, but IF you need one make sure to have someone who has the agility, skill, knowledge and aptitude to get you to the finish line. Kevin is all the above and more and is the lawyer who can and will get it done.
Read more
23 Jun, 2024 by Al fenelle
"I unfortunately had Alexandra Coglianese appointed as our parent coordinator. She exhibited bias and manipulated facts to fit her own narrative. Her dishonesty led to false statements, some of which she corrected when confronted. She even presented inaccurate information to the judge, some of which she later amended in an email sent at 7 PM the night before the hearing. Whether this was deliberate or due to incompetence, she failed to prioritize my daughter’s best interests by presenting misleading narratives to the court and making false statements and unsolicited recommendations.
If you’re seeking someone who is fair, honest, and genuinely looks out for the child’s well-being, I recommend avoiding Alexandra Coglianese.”
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18 Mar, 2024 by Tony esposito
I have been working with Alex for almost 15 years and she has helped me with two matrimonial cases. From day one, Alex dove deep into the facts of my case, was able to decipher through years of court documents and was absolutely tenacious in advancing and winning my cases. Not only is Alex a highly skilled professional and an excellent attorney, she took a personal interest in me and my children and left no stone unturned. Even when my second case was transferred out of state to North Carolina, Alex recommended an excellent local attorney and stayed involved throughout the whole process.
I can’t thank Alex enough for her efforts, results, passion and dedication. I have dealt with many law firms/attorneys, both professionally (in my 35 year career) and personally and Alex is second to none and at the top of my list. I highly recommend Alex! AAA+++
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18 Sep, 2019 by Laura
Glen F. Haley and his staff are wonderful. They assisted me on two different occasions/legal matters related to family law. They are extremely knowledgeable about all areas of the law, they are always professional, return my calls and emails in a timely fashion and get the job done. Glen and his team always made me feel at ease and comfortable in two very difficult situations. I have referred everyone I know that needs a family lawyer to Glen and his firm. I can wholeheartedly say they are the best in what they do. Divorce, custody issues, child support etc. are not easy situations for anyone. It is stressful, unpleasant and at times heartbreaking. Again, Glen and his staff, walk you through the whole process with empathy, kindness and understanding. Remaining professional at all times. I know his office is a very busy one, yet they manage to make you feel as if you and your case are their main priority at all times. If you need a great law firm, I highly recommend Mr. Glen F. Haley and his team of professionals.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Deborah
Mr. Haley was recommended to me by a coworker. I am grateful to her and him for all of his help. After taking the time to listen to my troubles and the unfair settlement I agreed to when I was first divorced, Mr. Haley took my case, was extremely reasonable in terms of cost and helped me to successfully acquire some much needed changes to my settlement agreement. I am forever grateful to Mr. Haley and so are my children. I highly recommend him if you are seeking someone to help you with marital/divorce issues. He's an atty who stands up for his clients and that is just what I needed.
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17 Sep, 2019 by Sharon
Glen has handled many legal matters for me and he has done an excellent job. I would highly recommend!!!
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17 Sep, 2024 by Lisha moore
The Kim Law Firm was very supportive of me when I wasn’t even sure what I should do next about my case. Everyone on the team especially Yulia, Mr. Kim, and Mark. They listen intently and with care for your matter and it doesn’t hurt when they win for you and champion for you when you can’t champion for yourself.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Kevin caldwell
I would highly recommend the law firm of Shapiro, Croland, Reiser & Co if you are in need of expert legal services. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Glenn Reiser who has great expertise and experience in legal representation. The services were very reasonable in cost with exceptional professionalism and communication.
I was very happy with the outcome and results of their law services. Thank You!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Elizabeth lawson
Glenn Reiser and his firm Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio, LLP fell way short in their handling of my case.
In our initial consultation, Glenn and his brother Stuart promised to build our case and would listen to our concerns and follow our needs by letting us be “in the driver’s seat”. Well, it just came out that Stuart's motto from another review that was left for the firm two months ago follows the old adage "a bad settlement is better than a good lawsuit". The other plaintiff and I let them know from the beginning that in order for a fair settlement to be reached the path to be taken would be for us to go to trial and have an impartial judge make the decision. We knew this from knowing the defendant's mindset that mediation would be a waste of time. If we knew then that this was this attorney’s viewpoint, we would not have chosen them. Although it is true this may work for most cases it was not the way to go for us.
“A bad settlement is better than a good trial,” is the kind of thing a trial lawyer says to a client/plaintiff when recommending a settlement offer that is less than full compensation for the wrong (that is, 99.9% of settlements) when the wronged client balks at the settlement but the trial lawyer thinks it is, on balance, a (relatively) good deal. This certainly was a fitting mantra for them as a bad settlement is exactly what they got us.
As Abraham Lincoln noted "A good settlement is better than a good lawsuit" and when mediation didn’t work with our first attorney where the defendants stretched out the billing hours and refused to even come up with a counter offer, we knew for sure that a trial was the only way for us to get a fair deal. Reiser’s following the adage of a bad settlement is better may work when you are up against insurance companies but was not applicable to our case, considering the unusual mindset and untruthfulness of the defendants in our case.
Another bone of contention is that despite Glenn's high fees, his law firm is run very spartanly which looking back should have set off numerous red flags. For starters, Glenn doesn't have an assistant. So, everything that is done will be billed at his high rate. Glenn doesn't have DocuSign; he doesn't accept any form of electronic payment in which he has you mail a check to him every month. It was also very unsettlingly how he'd reach out asking if I mailed the payment in the tone of someone who was expecting that I would renege on the bill. He seemed to be always having his hand out. I wholeheartedly suspect he most likely consciously drove up billing hours wherever he could.
Glenn also failed to inform us that a legal malpractice case was filed against him and his firm back in April 2023. Although Mr. Reiser boasts that this case is frivolous and the client a nut job (then why was he your client?) the case, even though Glenn has tried to get it thrown out, is still pending so the courts still believe it has merit see; CASTRO v. REISER et al
Glenn also displayed incompetence at times by not answering and ignoring important questions we posed to him in our emails. We asked for copies of our case files which he agreed to send to us however, he never did.
During our second day of trial, the judge said everyone preferred being back in court in-person after the pandemic. Glenn jokingly responded to the judge he was getting tired standing during the questioning.
Glenn not only charges his full rate driving to court and back, but he charges his full rate waiting for court to begin. Not even the experts we had appearing in court did that.
In my sincere opinion, Glenn's high fees aren't worth the subpar service he provides. I would seriously think twice before choosing this firm if you are looking to receive a good and fair settlement from your case.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Wendy von fabrice
The Deutsch, Atkins, & Kleinfeldt team was exceptional in handling my employment law case. The entire team's extensive expertise and experience were immediately apparent, and they provided invaluable legal and emotional support. They offered realistic perspectives and were always accessible, ensuring I felt informed and confident throughout the process. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone facing similar challenges.
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28 May, 2024 by Supriya m
Carly promptly connected with me after I needed urgent help regarding an employment case. She did not charge for the initial consultation but provided very sound advise. She had such a calming effect on me and I so appreciated her honesty and how she advised me keeping my best interest in mind and not hers. I hope I don’t need any legal help in future :) but if I do, she will be the first person I reach out to
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10 Nov, 2023 by Thomas hrdina
Adam Kleinfeldt provided great service. Very professional.
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15 Dec, 2018 by Ellen
Ms. Federbusch was my divorce lawyer in 2006-7 and she was fantastic! It is 12 years later and I still appreciate the work she did for me.
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15 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I was purchasing a home and solicited Sue's services. Problems surfaced when I saw typos and formatting errors in the legal document she put together for me. In one case, she copied in email the wrong person altogether, disclosing my private information and documents to a third party who had nothing to do with the deal. If you think spelling errors, unprofessional formatting, and emailing the wrong people was not bad enough, she had absolutely no attention to detail when it came to time sensitive follow-ups and detail inquiry (title review, closing dates, tax information, etc.) so I had to personally sync with all parties and get to the information myself, it was all around frustrating to deal with this attorney and I would never put someone through the hassles I went through. Sue is essentially retired and does legal services for fun - you would think her experience would be a valuable asset, but she's not vested in the outcome of her engagements. In my case, she has only caused headaches.
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18 Feb, 2023 by Vickie
I am shocked to hear he did something wrong, but we all make mistakes and we all deserve second chances. Mr. Hirsch has been nothing but. A professional, and got me everything I wanted in my divorce… he has never stop fighting for me, because he has seen enough men and women in divorce cases to know who’s telling the truth… in my case, he knows my ex is shady and a liar.. I have known this man for a couple of years and I would recommend him for anyone who’s going through a horrible divorce.. i’m in another battle as of this month because my ex is trying to stop his alimony I just hope Mr. Hirsch can continue to make sure my EX has to pay..
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23 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Can’t speak of his lawyering skills but this guy is a dead beat when it comes to paying bills. My company repaired and restored 2 Antique Barometers for him in March and he has ignored all correspondence and refused to pay for the work. Speaks volumes about the man and his ethics. Next I’ll see him in court where he’ll be the defendant wasting the courts time. Get your money upfront if you ever do work for Ira Hirsch! Better yet, just don’t!!
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10 Nov, 2020 by Gold
Lied and made promises that quickly changed once he got paid in cash ! Never saw fee schedule , said he had good relationships with opposing counsel and judge .
They both treated him with no respect , his motion was so poorly written that Judge Monahon made a fool of him and would not even consider listening to Hirsh . On walk to court house Ian Hirsh was shaking scared my girlfriend had to give this bloat a pep talk . He is also a Cheat who abandoned his family for Asian masseuse half his age . Run
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06 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Had I seen the review before, I wouldn't have made the same disastrous mistake. This is a bad lawyer.
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27 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. McConnell is a top notch attorney and a human being which is a rare find in a lawyer. He truly cares about his client and puts his heart into his cases. I can't sing enough praises about the way he has taken on my case and has helped me every inch of the way even when I wanted to give up. He fights for his client until the end.
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10 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Removes all his negative reviews. Wrecked my family, destroyed my children, setup for terrible legal problems took years for my entire family to overcome. Avoid McConnell at all costs, a dangerous lawyer to everyone.
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11 Dec, 2017 by Neil
He might be a decent divorce lawyer but you have to hope the finances are pretty simple. I feel very foolish that I didn't pay enough attention to the finances.
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18 Jun, 2013 by Andrew
Used Mr. Abut for divorce mediation. The entire first session -- my lawyers, my ex's lawyers all present and on the clock -- was a friendly get-to-know-you session (3 hours!) that included over an hour of his "spiel" which was largely off-topic, and two hours of discussion about our feelings. None of which got us an iota closer to agreement. The second session was even longer, and didn't get to anything relevant until the very end. Just yakking and yakking and yakking. After that I dropped him.
He's witty and smart but I'd encourage you to keep him on task and put time limits on any discussion not directly having to do with the issue at hand, nothing tangential.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
She was the absolute worst lawyer. Doesn’t care about you, doesn’t care about your case, she couldn’t even care to write my child’s correct name in an email sent to my ex husbands lawyer. She is terrible. She does not fight for you, she backs down and runs away with her tail between her legs. You’re better off representing yourself.
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Terrible. Commit suicide before hiring this lawyer.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Jose
STAY AWAY FROM HIM AT ALL COSTS! WORST PERSON AND WORSE THAN AN EX-WIFE. HIRE HIM AT YOUR OWN PERIL
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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:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
