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07 Apr, 2019 by Jennifer
Shelley represented me for my divorce and custody dispute. Through the entire process she was extremely strategic, patient, and effective. When things got tough and I struggled to find strength, she was strong, creative, and RIGHT. She sincerely cared about me and my family. Rest assured you are in good hands with Shelley Bilbrey.
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27 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Shelley took over my contested/high-conflict divorce after a few months by recommendation. She listened to my concerns, pulled together the evidence I provided, tackled the unfortunate problems associated wtih a high-conflict divorce head-on, and strategically pulled me through the entire process. She was prompt, well organized and showed up to win whenever she set foot in the courtroom. At one point during the process I had the opportunity of what she had done in her past life and if/why she enjoys being an attorney. Her answer reassured me that she legitamately cared for the well-being of my children and was going to do in her power to make sure we acheived the outcome I was seeking. She did all of that and more and I couldn't be more grateful. Her staff was a pleasure to work with as well. THANK YOU, SHELLEY AND CREW!
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21 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Shelley is a real go getter. She won my custody trial after a tough 2 year battle. She cared about me and my kids and it showed in the courtroom.
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12 Mar, 2018 by Bob
We met with Ms. MacLachlan to identify the legal steps to evict an individual that refused to leave our property. She took the time to explain in detail what was required- she explained our rights and the tenant's. She formulated a notification to the tenant and ensured it was sent and recorded in a timely manner. The notification was effective and we were able to resolve the issue. Ms. MacLachlan was very professional and responded to our request quickly and efficiently. We would not hesitate to use her services in the future.
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09 Mar, 2018 by John
I hired this attorney, paid her requested fee in TOTAL at first meeting, $1000 Dollars!. I was told it would be a one-time flat fee and so states our contract. I did not get the professional representation she promised and after pressing for results she proceeded to drop her representation of my case with the court. She never took a written note at any of our several meetings in person in her office. I had to hire another competent attorney who handled my divorce the correct way and in a timely manner! Near the end of our relationship she asked me for more money. I have documentation.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Lori
Attorney MacLachlan is my attorney and got my money from divorce settlement from several years ago. She did the necessary paperwork and got payments started for me. She really cares about serving her clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone
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29 Apr, 2024 by E. ferguson (dindrane)
11 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Bad experienced with this lawyer.
Not recommend it to friends and neighbors.
No tricks for the business please...
Thank U
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16 Oct, 2023 by Leslie edwards
Ms. Banks was my attorney starting in January 2011 and represented me for several years from that point, through more than one custody battle. My case was extremely complicated and convoluted. Page definitely did her homework and took all the extra steps to fight my case. She even came in and watched some public cases that could have affected my case, in order to be fully prepared to fight for me. It was a long, hard battle, but we came out on top in the end, and Page played a vital role in that. I 10/10 recommend her as an attorney.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Did not tell me i was divorced until after i had used medical insurance, resulting in a large bill not being covered. Sent property division paperwork to the wrong branch of the military.
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20 May, 2022 by Anonymous
She never let him know what was going on. He even showed up at court because he was not notified it was canceled. He missed a day of work and she apologized but she was expensive and he would've been better of with a cheap lawyer that took time to explain and cared about their client. I don't recommend her.
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10 Apr, 2019 by Paul
Going through a very tumultuous and contested divorce, I had to fire two previous counsels because they were not listening and acting upon my demands. With less than 2 months before mediation and trial, Ms. Alexander worked tirelessly to ensure she was very familiar with my case and had to play "catch-up" because my previous counsel did not submit crucial documents in a timely manner nor provided the due-diligence and technical expertise that I was paying for. Without a doubt, anyone going through a contested divorce needs Ms. Amy Alexander's methodical and technical approach to resolve their divorce. When I met Ms. Alexander, I referenced my scenario as "we're in the 4th quarter with 2 minutes left and I need a miracle". She delivered!!! This isn't a bunch of hyperbole, she literally save me thousands of dollars in alimony and child support. Finally, she is one hell-of a meditator who knows the law.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Amy N. Alexander helped us with our private adoption of our daughter. She was thorough, and kind and has the best intentions of everyone she works with. She works well in the legal system and well with Child Services in Huntsville, Alabama and knows her stuff.
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25 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
She was rude, unprofessional, and practiced poor ethics. She has a bad attitude, and seems very entitled does not follow directions also does not have a good demeanor with most family court judges in Madison County. She works for one of the big name on the door guys but that still doesn’t guarantee the quality of her work.
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12 Aug, 2021 by Teresa
I naively went to Amanda Canupp for my divorce (2017). I told her about the abuse I suffered. Physical, emotional, and mental abuse. I've come to learn, after firing her for later services (2021) that all she did was put my case in a que/ on a conveyer belt without dedicating any personal focus or attention to my case or custody scheduling. I've come to learn that my ex should not have 50/50 custody with me, and because the case settled, there is nothing I can currently do. It should have been done right the first time.
Four years later, I need the help of my attorney to file a contempt charge. Not only does she ignore my requests, but my ex-husband filed one, because Amanda blatantly ignored my request, I was not able to file my counter in time. She WASTED hours and weeks and money. I would call and/or email and receive no response for over one week, multiple times, during a time I was in great need and paying for her services. This happened on many occasions. Her excuse when I got her on the phone was that I was not at the head of her cue, and she assured me that when my case came up, I would be the priority. This is non-sense, and her lack of dedication and delays caused me to incur more expenses and I was not able to take the actions I was paying for her to assist me with. I fired her, humorously enough, she emailed me back within 30 minutes, and 'told' me we would "discuss it tomorrow", as if I were a child. I did call the next day, and gave my complaints. We talked for about 45 minutes, not at my request. Guess what.... she charged me for that phone call to. She works under a respected name in Huntsville, AL, which is why I hired her, but she is not a advocate for her client. The money I invested in her services for my contempt $6,500 (in 2021), was money wasted, but was still obligated to payed. I went on to another attorney, and my case was resolved with LESS cost and a positive affect. If I had stayed with Canupp, I would have been out $12,000 and a negative final impact to my case. I am certain. Lanier Ford should reimburse the $6,500 I paid this firm for my contempt case, but if I called, i'm sure they'd charge me for that too. I am a single mother, educated, was going through difficulties in my life and received no respect from this attorney.
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01 Nov, 2019 by Steve
Amanda picked up my case when my prior lawyer abruptly closed. She reviewed and revised my filing including pleadings and QDRO. She made improvements and resolved all of my concerns in same business week. Her charges were minimal and her services were outstanding. Had I started with Amanda, I likely could have closed my case in half the time at half the cost.
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07 Jan, 2023 by Mark tillman
Highly experienced and detailed. We appreciate the services Ray has provided to our family.
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02 Aug, 2022 by Stephanie ulrich
Ray Uhrig is top notch. I’ve used his office for business real estate transactions. He’s always quick to respond and his knowledge of the law is great. I know I’m in good hands with any legal need when I call Ray.
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20 May, 2022 by Aaron lussi
The most experienced lawyer I've ever met. Specializing in real estate and estate planning.
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31 May, 2024 by Chris
I generally appreciate how they handled the case itself. They helped me to understand what was important and make sure we did what was necessary.
That being said, towards the end of the case, they asked for an additional retainer which I paid with the trust that any unused retainer would be refunded. I ended up negotiating an early end to the case, which brought it to a close sooner than expected.
After the case closed out I patiently waited for the judge's orders and final executed agreement and it wasn't until I contacted them twice that I was finally given these documents. They told me that their email server had crashed, though apparently they made no effort to verify that necessary communications had gone through.
Once I told them I wanted to close out the case and get my final itemized billing statement it became very difficult to reach them. I had to contact Legal Shield just to get Mr. Campbell to answer.
He eventually sent me a statement with many obvious overbillings, such as:
* an erroneous process server fee (which he admits)
* billing for a subpoena for a court appearance Mr. Campbell missed (which had to be rescheduled, everyone else was there but him)
* billing for me to go back and forth with them to obtain the end of case documents they never sent me
Mr. Campbell said he would review the statement and make any corrections then get back to me. However, since this response from him I haven't heard back from him and it is clear that he is not interested in providing fair and accurate accounting.
I'm not sure what's going on, if he's just busy or if he really doesn't care and thinks it's beneath him to be accountable to his client who's paid him thousands of dollars for representation. Whatever it is, it's unacceptable and he should be ashamed of himself.
I placed my trust in him and was not treated like a valued client in the end. Keep that in mind when you think of letting him hold onto your retainer. You may not get it back and he may not care to be transparently accountable about how it was spent.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Hired John to take on a claim I had against a car insurance company that was incredibly difficult to deal with in settling this matter. The Insurance company's client rear-ended me, sent me to the hospital and I had lasting injuries afterwards. John immediately took the case and spent nearly a year arguing with the insurance company. In the end, he got a huge settlement for me!! Amazing attorney!
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26 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired him there was no communication and had me pay extra to refile in the same courtroom on the same case that he told me he would file elsewhere never asked me what I wanted in the matter basically just showed up and went with it
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22 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
She will not help you. She will talk all fancy and run her mouth and laugh at her own jokes. If you don't have a lot of money or be willing to pay her in cash, then she may take your case, but she won't do anything to help you, and when you lose your case she'll blame you then tell you that you owe more money! If you don't pay she will start threatening you and may even file against you because you are a day late with your payment. She honestly believe the other attorneys in the area like her, but they have all said they can't stand her because she lies constantly and is into some pretty dirty shady business deals.
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03 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Conversations with her are rude and disappointing. She is unorganized, she blamed me for not having a case put together. Then when I received no calls from her about what the next step was. I emailed her to find out, which was met with hostility. I tried to explain that I was just needing to know what else she needed and what sort of case we were preparing. To which she responded, I don’t put any plans together for cases because they might change.
Scary to have a lawyer who doesn’t know how to prepare a winning argument. But to have someone who doesn’t prepare at all you mine as well not have a lawyer.
At the end I told her I got a different lawyer. So she proceeded to charge me the entire retainer with charges for everything she could think of. Then when I ask them why I was being charged 140$ to read my email, she said “we may not track our time very well, but we keep track of what we do.”
Then she said, “you can’t do anything about it!” And hung up on me.
I’m surprised to feel bullied by a lawyer but i guess it happens.
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09 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
You'd be better off just going with another attorney. Working with Rachel was very discouraging. She and her staff are rude and unprofessional. Simply calling or email to ask a question was met with hostility, as though I were bothering them by being concerned about my case. Her prices are comparable to the prices of other lawyers, just save yourself the extra stress and find a better fit.
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30 Jan, 2022 by Tom
I would not Recommend this Attor so ney to my worst anime he did not
do anything for us except take are 2500. from us an we were doing all the work he did not have the Cahuna's to stand up for us the other Attorney an the Judge were friends we ask him about that he said he was going to stand up for is that was B/s
so we are hiring another one if you are trying to get custody of your kids DO NOT US HIM he will take your money an string you along.
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14 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I've never written a negative review on anyone or anything, but I know how difficult even the most simple disagreements can be during or after a divorce. With that in mind, I feel compelled to write this because I can't stand the thought of someone having to go through what I went through with Jonathan Pippin. First of all, as another reviewer said, you will be charged for your "free consultation". Also agree that he uses the "there's plenty of time for that" on a regular basis. And ditto on the response time - consistently ridiculous. Chronically asked for delivery items last-minute which would send me scrambling, only to later find that he wouldn't even submit them to my ex-spouse's attorney in time. One thing he is good at - and he's brilliant - is taking a meeting with you to calm you down and renew your confidence. This guy promises everything and does nothing. That is not an exagerration. But be warned, he has a calm, warm and reassuring manner that goes against the stereotypical attorney and he can sell you in a second. Do not hire him. You will only be adding more chaos during a time that's already plenty tough enough. Good luck to you.
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11 Aug, 2016 by Tara
Took my $3000 retainer, then once he had the money made a practice of putting everything on hold indefinitely. Seldom responded to emails or phone calls. Constantly said he would do something on my case, then wouldn't do it despite repeated requests. He waited till October 20 to email me a multi-page, very detailed 'Discovery' questionnaire sent to him by the opposing lawyer on September 30, giving me only days to complete it....and then would not file Discovery papers for me on the opposition (he continually put it off, saying "there is plenty of time for that"...and it never got done). I asked for Mediation. For three months he said he would set it up...never did. With the trial date only weeks away (and no evidence of any "preparation" on his part), I was finally forced to give up on him and retain (and pay) another lawyer to pick up the pieces.
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10 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
If I could give her zero stars, I would. Was not educated enough to represent my case so I switched lawyers, nickel and dimed me for every cent to practically do nothing at all for the same amount that my new lawyer charged to finish up the entire case and do all the work. Spoke over me, did not follow through with what I told her I wanted to do, did not believe in me or my case, and had to be told what do by me asking my a friend of mine who is a lawyer. Do not hire.
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22 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
This lawyer was friendly at first but after we hired her she was rude, could not keep up with facts and would all but call you a liar when she remembered facts wrong. She does not like you to ask questions and doesn't explain
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
