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06 Oct, 2024 by Jonalyn pacoma
No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to meet with Attorney Blake Goodman and his staff. They helped us every step of the way and kept us updated. All the staff are friendly and supportive. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going through financial difficulties and challenges, right when you leave the office you feel relieved.
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05 Oct, 2024 by Deborah iijima
The whole process was very fast, and all of the staff were very helpful and professional! I am glad I chose Blake Goodman’s office to help!
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02 Oct, 2024 by Bill doyle
I was pleased to receive a return call promptly after requesting a consultation. Knowledgeable, courteous, ready to assist, Blake Goodman listens carefully and provides his best counsel for a path forward. He thoughtfully referred me to another attorney with more relevant practice for my question. Top marks!
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06 Oct, 2024 by Jonalyn pacoma
No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to meet with Attorney Blake Goodman and his staff. They helped us every step of the way and kept us updated. All the staff are friendly and supportive. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going through financial difficulties and challenges, right when you leave the office you feel relieved.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Deborah iijima
The whole process was very fast, and all of the staff were very helpful and professional! I am glad I chose Blake Goodman’s office to help!
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Bill doyle
I was pleased to receive a return call promptly after requesting a consultation. Knowledgeable, courteous, ready to assist, Blake Goodman listens carefully and provides his best counsel for a path forward. He thoughtfully referred me to another attorney with more relevant practice for my question. Top marks!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Midnight sui generis (bjh of horsin around)
Got what I wanted and a little extra😉 The office gives early 2000’s disorganized musty school office but it’s there. Jeffy jeff was such a treat. I made this to remember him always 🤍🖤🤍 RIP to your pro bono family lawyer, but he’s built different 😘🤤
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15 Feb, 2024 by Debra kaawalauole
Super professional, and quickly completed our court case hearing. Yes, they were pricey, but we paid for quality work. I would always recommend this law firm to others. They helped get the adoption of our son done in a timely and efficient manner. They communicated with us constantly, and kept us in the loop. They provided all the essential paper work for us, as well as helped navigate the filling out of certain documents. Very knowledgeable attorneys, and satisfied with the work that was completed.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Dayne kaawalauole
We worked with Shannon and it’s crazy to think anyone would have negative things to say about her or this law firm. They have been nothing but efficient and professional in helping with my son’s adoption case. Yea we paid a pretty penny but truthfully it was worth every cent. 10/10 would recommend. Mahalo nui for all of your guys help!
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06 Oct, 2024 by Jonalyn pacoma
No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to meet with Attorney Blake Goodman and his staff. They helped us every step of the way and kept us updated. All the staff are friendly and supportive. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going through financial difficulties and challenges, right when you leave the office you feel relieved.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Deborah iijima
The whole process was very fast, and all of the staff were very helpful and professional! I am glad I chose Blake Goodman’s office to help!
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Bill doyle
I was pleased to receive a return call promptly after requesting a consultation. Knowledgeable, courteous, ready to assist, Blake Goodman listens carefully and provides his best counsel for a path forward. He thoughtfully referred me to another attorney with more relevant practice for my question. Top marks!
Read more
06 Oct, 2024 by Jonalyn pacoma
No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to meet with Attorney Blake Goodman and his staff. They helped us every step of the way and kept us updated. All the staff are friendly and supportive. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going through financial difficulties and challenges, right when you leave the office you feel relieved.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Deborah iijima
The whole process was very fast, and all of the staff were very helpful and professional! I am glad I chose Blake Goodman’s office to help!
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Bill doyle
I was pleased to receive a return call promptly after requesting a consultation. Knowledgeable, courteous, ready to assist, Blake Goodman listens carefully and provides his best counsel for a path forward. He thoughtfully referred me to another attorney with more relevant practice for my question. Top marks!
Read more
06 Oct, 2024 by Jonalyn pacoma
No words can express how grateful and blessed we are to meet with Attorney Blake Goodman and his staff. They helped us every step of the way and kept us updated. All the staff are friendly and supportive. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going through financial difficulties and challenges, right when you leave the office you feel relieved.
Read more
05 Oct, 2024 by Deborah iijima
The whole process was very fast, and all of the staff were very helpful and professional! I am glad I chose Blake Goodman’s office to help!
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Bill doyle
I was pleased to receive a return call promptly after requesting a consultation. Knowledgeable, courteous, ready to assist, Blake Goodman listens carefully and provides his best counsel for a path forward. He thoughtfully referred me to another attorney with more relevant practice for my question. Top marks!
Read more
27 Jun, 2024 by Midnight sui generis (bjh of horsin around)
Got what I wanted and a little extra😉 The office gives early 2000’s disorganized musty school office but it’s there. Jeffy jeff was such a treat. I made this to remember him always 🤍🖤🤍 RIP to your pro bono family lawyer, but he’s built different 😘🤤
Read more
15 Feb, 2024 by Debra kaawalauole
Super professional, and quickly completed our court case hearing. Yes, they were pricey, but we paid for quality work. I would always recommend this law firm to others. They helped get the adoption of our son done in a timely and efficient manner. They communicated with us constantly, and kept us in the loop. They provided all the essential paper work for us, as well as helped navigate the filling out of certain documents. Very knowledgeable attorneys, and satisfied with the work that was completed.
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15 Feb, 2024 by Dayne kaawalauole
We worked with Shannon and it’s crazy to think anyone would have negative things to say about her or this law firm. They have been nothing but efficient and professional in helping with my son’s adoption case. Yea we paid a pretty penny but truthfully it was worth every cent. 10/10 would recommend. Mahalo nui for all of your guys help!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Katie sodermark
A number of years ago I sought out legal help from Cain and Herren. My last experience with a lawyer wasn’t good. I really didn’t want to file for bankruptcy, but I had to as I was going to retire. I owed a lot mostly from the bad times of 2008. I always pay my bills so I was really fighting doing this. Micheal Collins made me feel much more at ease with my decision. Everything was explained to me. Everyone at Cain and Herren were welcoming. If I need legal help for anything I would return to Cain and Herren.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Ashley farias
My friend just used them in a divorce. Every interaction was positive and she was very happy with their services. I will be hiring them if I need a lawyer in the future.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Joella speelman
One of the best law firms on Maui. They not only go above and beyond for the clients but for their employees as well. Ben and Sam are a power duo who help so many dealing with family law issues. Highly recommend!!!
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20 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Sweet guy but doesn't respond to any calls or emails. Will go weeks without hearing anything. I will leave voicemail after voicemail and nothing. Sits and says we have a good case yet doesn't do anything to move forward and finish it. Always has an excuse on why I haven't heard from him in 4 weeks. You get what you pay for. Cheap price for cheap work.
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30 Sep, 2023 by Darcy treadwell
Guy is the most knowledgeable and well-versed attorney I have ever encountered, truly a master at his craft. His communication is second to none and the amount he cares for each of his clients is remarkable. If you are ever in any legal trouble, this is the person you want in your corner. He has my highest recommendation.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Matthew flowers
02 Aug, 2024 by Katie sodermark
A number of years ago I sought out legal help from Cain and Herren. My last experience with a lawyer wasn’t good. I really didn’t want to file for bankruptcy, but I had to as I was going to retire. I owed a lot mostly from the bad times of 2008. I always pay my bills so I was really fighting doing this. Micheal Collins made me feel much more at ease with my decision. Everything was explained to me. Everyone at Cain and Herren were welcoming. If I need legal help for anything I would return to Cain and Herren.
Read more
02 Aug, 2024 by Ashley farias
My friend just used them in a divorce. Every interaction was positive and she was very happy with their services. I will be hiring them if I need a lawyer in the future.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Joella speelman
One of the best law firms on Maui. They not only go above and beyond for the clients but for their employees as well. Ben and Sam are a power duo who help so many dealing with family law issues. Highly recommend!!!
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09 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Her efforts covered the ground I needed covered. Timely, complete. She listened and cared. And got it right.
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24 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms. Henschel gave me a free consultation to look over my case and after calling around to other offices, hers was the only one that seemed to care about my circumstances.
The retainer was manageable for my budget and Ms. Henschel was very conscious about updating me on the work going into my case.
She followed up with me whenever relevant and I had no issues getting in contact with her whenever I had concerns.
I would use her service again in a heart beat knowing she really does care
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19 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms. Henschel took a retainer, filed my divorce paperwork incorrectly, did not update me about court documents when they were received by her, demanded more money without an invoice for her work, then ghosted me when I tried to reach out for information and clarification. Do not use her services.
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07 Jan, 2020 by Melissa pink gwinner
I called several times and he never returned my call
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11 Jan, 2018 by Joyce davy
11 Jan, 2018 by Mike davy
17 Jan, 2023 by Linaking9
although they represent my husband in our divorce and I am Pro Se. They seem to be helpful and professional altogether good people.
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12 Nov, 2022 by Trevin hofmann
I cannot recommend working with Hartley & McGehee on any legal case. From my experience, they were unresponsive, slow, and expensive.
After a $250 consultation on 2022-02-14 regarding divorce, I was left with a positive impression of Hartley & McGehee. On 2022-02-22, I hired Hartley & McGehee as my legal representation in seeking a divorce. My case was primarily handled by Elsa McGehee, Kalani Kim, and Alyssa Le’i.
164 days and $5,441.77* in fees later, I terminated the services of Hartley & McGehee on 2022-08-05. Within this timeframe, the great accomplishments of Hartley & McGehee were limited to (1) filing the Complaint for Divorce and related documents with the court, (2) serving my spouse with the case paperwork, and (3) proposing a Divorce Decree which was ignored by the defendant.
After terminating their services, Hartley & McGehee waited until 2022-08-30 to file their motion to withdraw, squandering another 25 days of my case. Not only did they waste more of my time, but Hartley & McGehee continued billing me after terminating their services, sending an invoice which included an additional $714.44* in fees from 2022-08-09 to 2022-08-25.
Here are a few other highlights from my experience with Hartley & McGehee:
• They provided me with misinformed guidance on the sponsor’s contract of USCIS Form I-864, even after discussing the matter with their immigration law colleague. The key piece of misinformation they provided is that the immigrant’s income (including alimony payments) would not reduce the financial obligations of the contract, and they insisted that their guidance was correct even after I cited multiple legal cases to the contrary.
• When refunding the remainder of my deposit / trust account, they mailed the check to an old address in the wrong state despite having been provided with my latest address.
• Elsa McGehee admitted plainly in an apology to me on 2022-08-10 that they had “been short-staffed.”
• They failed to send me all relevant documents for my case, such as email communications with their immigration law colleague, when I requested them upon terminating their services. I needed to pry further with more specific requests, and I am still not certain if I have everything.
• They cautioned against getting a restraining order against my abusive spouse because it “may make our communication with her a bit tricky” and left me to “handle that on [my] own.” In an unrecorded call, they also downplayed the severity of my spouse’s abuse and harassment since it was no longer physical. However, my spouse has continued harassing me with _thousands_ of messages and numerous voicemails using _hundreds_ of spoofed phone numbers to circumvent attempts to block communication.
• I requested multiple times that we proceed with advancing the divorce in court in order to have a hearing and a resolution because the defendant was not being responsive to our proposed resolution. These requests were ignored, which was the primary cause for this case being dragged out for so long.
• On 2022-03-03, near the beginning of the case, I emailed a list of 16 direct questions regarding the case and how to complete the Income & Expense and Asset & Debt forms. Alyssa Le’i responded only to questions #4 and #12, ignoring the rest.
* This is a sum of the subtotals, not including the 4.712% tax or the 10% discount for early payment.
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14 Mar, 2022 by Theresa v kamana
17 Jan, 2023 by Linaking9
although they represent my husband in our divorce and I am Pro Se. They seem to be helpful and professional altogether good people.
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12 Nov, 2022 by Trevin hofmann
I cannot recommend working with Hartley & McGehee on any legal case. From my experience, they were unresponsive, slow, and expensive.
After a $250 consultation on 2022-02-14 regarding divorce, I was left with a positive impression of Hartley & McGehee. On 2022-02-22, I hired Hartley & McGehee as my legal representation in seeking a divorce. My case was primarily handled by Elsa McGehee, Kalani Kim, and Alyssa Le’i.
164 days and $5,441.77* in fees later, I terminated the services of Hartley & McGehee on 2022-08-05. Within this timeframe, the great accomplishments of Hartley & McGehee were limited to (1) filing the Complaint for Divorce and related documents with the court, (2) serving my spouse with the case paperwork, and (3) proposing a Divorce Decree which was ignored by the defendant.
After terminating their services, Hartley & McGehee waited until 2022-08-30 to file their motion to withdraw, squandering another 25 days of my case. Not only did they waste more of my time, but Hartley & McGehee continued billing me after terminating their services, sending an invoice which included an additional $714.44* in fees from 2022-08-09 to 2022-08-25.
Here are a few other highlights from my experience with Hartley & McGehee:
• They provided me with misinformed guidance on the sponsor’s contract of USCIS Form I-864, even after discussing the matter with their immigration law colleague. The key piece of misinformation they provided is that the immigrant’s income (including alimony payments) would not reduce the financial obligations of the contract, and they insisted that their guidance was correct even after I cited multiple legal cases to the contrary.
• When refunding the remainder of my deposit / trust account, they mailed the check to an old address in the wrong state despite having been provided with my latest address.
• Elsa McGehee admitted plainly in an apology to me on 2022-08-10 that they had “been short-staffed.”
• They failed to send me all relevant documents for my case, such as email communications with their immigration law colleague, when I requested them upon terminating their services. I needed to pry further with more specific requests, and I am still not certain if I have everything.
• They cautioned against getting a restraining order against my abusive spouse because it “may make our communication with her a bit tricky” and left me to “handle that on [my] own.” In an unrecorded call, they also downplayed the severity of my spouse’s abuse and harassment since it was no longer physical. However, my spouse has continued harassing me with _thousands_ of messages and numerous voicemails using _hundreds_ of spoofed phone numbers to circumvent attempts to block communication.
• I requested multiple times that we proceed with advancing the divorce in court in order to have a hearing and a resolution because the defendant was not being responsive to our proposed resolution. These requests were ignored, which was the primary cause for this case being dragged out for so long.
• On 2022-03-03, near the beginning of the case, I emailed a list of 16 direct questions regarding the case and how to complete the Income & Expense and Asset & Debt forms. Alyssa Le’i responded only to questions #4 and #12, ignoring the rest.
* This is a sum of the subtotals, not including the 4.712% tax or the 10% discount for early payment.
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14 Mar, 2022 by Theresa v kamana
18 Jul, 2022 by Dennis mcgill
15 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
does not keep you informed ,does not call clients back, very difficult to get ahold of .
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22 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
My poor mother is lost in a 20+ year divorce case and lost her court records in a fire. She turned to Micky hoping for some relief and answers. Instead, she demanded she see a divorce decree or recommended that my mother return to her old attorney… if she had listened to my mother or even cared, she would know we need help obtaining copies of court records, that a decree might not exist, and that the previous attorney did not see the case through.
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02 Nov, 2020 by David
I had been trying to get divorced for 10 years. I went through five divorce attorneys before Micky. The previous attorneys didn't seem to want to understand my situation and consequently we got nowhere.
Micky was different, she listened to me, she asked questions, she studied my financial details and she came up with a solution that allowed me to get divorced without going to trial.
I am forever indebted to Micky for getting me my divorce.
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09 Nov, 2017 by Scott
I've known Miss Yamatani both personally and professionally for 20 years. Micky is extremely hard working person who sincerely cares for the well being of her clients.
After being let down numerous times by numerous lawyers I started to believe the stereotype of, "no such thing as an honest lawyer". However, Micky's persistent example of professional integrity was a breath of fresh air. She is an expert at her craft!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Emily belloso
01 Aug, 2024 by Joseph
I can’t thank Edward Smith enough for his incredible support during a very challenging time. When I needed him most, he showed up during my civil TRO hearing and knew exactly what to say to ensure I didn’t sabotage my own case. His professionalism and ability to navigate the legal world with ease were truly impressive.
Edward Smith fought tirelessly against my wife’s demands, which were more than I could afford, and he wouldn’t settle for anything less than fair. His dedication and expertise made all the difference in my case. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will stand by you and fight for your best interests, look no further than Edward Smith. Highly recommended!
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09 Jul, 2024 by Christian brown
I've had an absolutely terrible experience. He took a 5.5k retainer, my case was moved to Canadian Courts, and now he's failing to respond, not returning the retainer, and appears to be attempting to steal my money.
These actions have been preventing me from acquiring the appropriate legal representation.
I strongly advise staying away from this law firm.
UPDATE:
He ended up padding the bill when asked for a refund of the retainer. Charged me for text messages and emails that he never responded to including messages listed below were I requested my funds be returned.
"You are negatively impacting my ability to secure legal counsel and leaving me with no other
options but to explore pursuing a civil case against your firm.
If my money isn't returned this week, I'll be pursuing a civil case as well as filing a complaint
with the Hawaii State Bar Association. This is absolutely ridiculous." CHARGED me $55.
"Are you planning on returning the funds at all?
It's very concerning that my requests have gone unanswered." NO RESPONSE and CHARGED another $55.
"Good morning,
We secured a lawyer in Ontario to handle the extradition/child custody. Would it be possible to
return the remainder of the retainer? If the case ends up coming to Hawaii, we can send resend
a retainer. Funds are just tight at the moment." NO RESPONSE and CHARGED another $55.
"Hello,
Are you able to help me formulate the response to the OCL report? This is my draft so far.
OCL Response .docx" NO RESPONSE and CHARGED another $55.
I think everyone can see the trend. I strongly advise looking elsewhere for a lawyer.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Kauai tai chi
Unprepared and disinterested. Emiko Meyers could just as well be working the checkout counter at a big box store given her lack of engagement with the issues in a timely manner and her lack of interest in her clients.
Emiko Meyers wasted 6+ hours of billable time by being completely unprepared to discuss issues during a scheduled mediation with the opposing party.
Emiko Meyers hadn’t even bothered to read the opposing party’s declaration prior to the mediation because she was too absorbed in her chaotic personal life and said that she felt “overwhelmed”. As a result she was completely uninformed of the opposing party’s position on the issues and unable to engage in meaningful negotiations.
As additional deadlines approached, rather than meeting them in a timely and professionally manner, Emiko Meyers continued to offer excuses related to distractions in her personal life. Her chaotic personal life was obviously a priority over her clients and her professional obligations to uphold her service pledge.
As her final insult, when the case was complete, Emiko Meyers omitted from her written draft order a material term of the stipulation that had already been read into the court record and which would have had significant negative consequences for me if I had not caught the omission in my review.
Prior to my direct experience with Emiko, I had heard that she was pretty good; however upon working with her in real time I understand now that there are numerous reasons why her average review rating is only 2 stars.
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06 Sep, 2019 by Melissa pink gwinner
06 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
She did not have the skill or the will to make a good faith effort to work on my case. Her strategy had more to do with using up her retainer as quickly as possible rather than properly representing her client. When I asked for an explanation for some of the particulars of my bill, she sent me a written explanation, and billed me for that as well. The only thing that she was consistently on top of, was making sure that her retainer was replenished promptly. She did not disclose conflicts of interest, that I later learned about on my own. She was rude and insulting, even alienating the judge who was hearing the case. Her advice was bad. I am convinced that having no lawyer at all would have ended up with a more positive outcome than she could achieve. It was a disaster. Lawyers I have since consulted have said that she "botched the case". I can only hope that she reaps the karma she deserves for her unmitigated greed and her total lack of compassion for her client.
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19 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Pamela is a good and straight forward attorney and has helped me through 2 cases and she will listen to you and gets done what's needs to get done. She is always on top of everything and represents me in court in such a professional matter. I would recommend anyone with child custody cases to get on her to represent you. Awesome attorney!
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18 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired this person to help with my divorce. She consistently overcharged, was unavailable for weeks at a time (vacationing in Turkey, etc.), was extremely sarcastic, unprofessional and personally insulting to me at a time when I was very vulnerable. If I could give a zero review I would.
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18 Jan, 2021 by R m
No answer left msg 5 days ago no return call ... how's that for common courtesy ? 😎 👎👎👎
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17 May, 2019 by Ivomonroemiller
Everything she did was Disengenuious..She’s as Mean as she is UGLY and FAT. I feel sorry for you
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16 Feb, 2018 by Annie barnes
04 Jul, 2022 by Kim
If it was possible to give 0 stars I would have. Under no circumstance should you hire Trina for anything, especially with any visitation with TRO in place or custody issues. She is in it for herself…to get paid. He care nothing for the kids, especially their emotional and psychological well being. She traumatized my kids further. DO NOT HIRE HER.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Hired as a custody evaluator for a child abuse case. She did an excellent job investigating and uncovering facts, but did a very poor job testifying. On the witness stand she seemed to have forgotten many important details. She responded "I don't know" or "I don't remember" several times to facts that she had provided while testifying on my child's behalf.
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05 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Found this to be an incredibly bad experience unfortunately on the extreme end of what's common with many attorneys, in this case poor results with high fees. My opinion Would definitely be very careful in hiring any attorney and conduct your due diligence and be very aware of excessive unnecessary billing while pursuing and inefficient and ineffective legal path.
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01 Sep, 2022 by Jennifer
I have tried to contact several times throughout the past year and a half! With no response yet he’s getting paid.
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01 Oct, 2020 by Stunna media
Goldberg should never practice law
Had to give 1 star ⭐️ to post but I would even give them that...this is to save everyone the grief of working with incompetent people
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06 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
We contacted Atty. Rhoda Alvarez seeking help in assisting our niece in obtaining a green card. The answers and options she gave us were vague and not at all helpful. One thing she suggested was that we find someone to marry her. I don't think that this is even remotely legal and not a route we would pursue. The fee we paid for a Zoom consultation was high and not worth 1/4 of what we paid. Having dealt with really competent Attorneys in the past, this was a letdown.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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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.
