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23 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Paid this guy to take on my case, he absolutely ignored me until the day before my case and then continued it because we weren't ready when I hired him over a month in advance! Then we continue it, and he did it to me again and it cost me dearly, as I lost because of his lack of doing his job!! Don't waste your money like I did!!!
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07 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr.Hoover does not call, does not call back, and does not give you information about your case. Mr.Hoover was hired to represent me in my child custody case. I have called multiple times and no response from Mr.Hoover. When Mr.Hoover would call it would be the day of the actual court date. Mr.Hoover does not communicate, is not professional and does not communicate at all about the case. I had to hire another attorney to represent me for my child custody case. I had to pay another attorney to help me and actually represent me correctly and professionally. Mr.Hoover was paid but did not do his job. Mr.Hoover is unprofessional! He did not care about my case. I would not hire Mr. Kevin Hoover. He will just take your money and not represent you, nor call you. He should be ashamed of himself by taking money and not doing his job, not being professional, and not caring about my case.
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19 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
It's been 3.5 years since Kevin Hoover of Hill Fulwider represented me and I'm still having issues as a result. He botched my child support case, won't respond, and won't even remove himself from my case, so I can't even get information from the courts. Every time I try to get information on my child support case, the child support prosecutor won't communicate directly with me because he is the counsel on file. I can't get information, can't get them to drop him, and can't get him to drop himself. Even when the prosecutor sends my case information to him, I've never heard a peep. Now, I have to hire another attorney just so I can get basic information about a reported arrearage. It's completely ridiculous!!
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18 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Awful. He tried to charge us more money and actually owed us money. He had no clue what he was doing. We paid 1500 for nothing.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Charles
I paid him 8000 dollars for a case with dcs he told me I had a law suit and he was filing paperwork. He never filed paperwork for lawsuit. I am the one that fought in court for my daughter not him I got my daughter back and my case closed out. I asked repeatedly about the lawsuit because he said there was a statue of limitations on it but he never filed so I kept contacting his paralegal about what was going on with my lawsuit or the return of some of my money and he just kept putting me off and never returning my calls then today I receive a paper from the courts saying he removed himself from my case. He is stealing from the poor people to make himself rich it's not fair he is not a professional he is all talk and no show I would not recommend him to anyone and anyone that reads this we should all come together and get rid of his law firm all together. He just keeps stealing from people just read most of the other reviews thank you
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29 May, 2024 by Shannon
Me and my fiancé hired Rolin for my son. He doesn’t think we lost but after court, it was pretty devastating. He didn’t ask the questions he was supposed to so the judge would know what was going on. He was late then when I called his secretary looking for him, she said he just pulled up and he just let her know the judge was going to be late. I said I feel like he should be in here letting us know but instead he was in his truck playing games on his phone, when he finally came in, he only briefed us for five minutes. He didn’t ask the right questions. My son did not know what to say so the judge didn’t feel like it was imperative they not live in the Homeless Shelter. With his jobless mother. We finally get done. I’ll let him know how to Sleeze that we are with the results. He said we are going to get a final bill, but he would zero that out because it was not our fault that the judge was late today. I get a call from him, letting me know That he’s not happy on how I spoke to the paralegal on how to please I am with everything that he did we paid him $2500 and we never met with him in person. Talk to him twice on the phone and we were lucky if the paralegal answered an email , so he said since he’s not gonna go by his word, he’s gonna go by the contract and charge us the additional $633 do not use him
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14 Sep, 2023 by Bryan
I hired Sarah Wolf for a custody case and paid her $2000. She did not answer one single question I had in my emails but charged me to read them. She filed 2 motions that looked lazy and just horrible and did not show up to a single court date before telling me I have to pay more money and she withdrew from my case. She robbed me and should not be an attorney.if your choice is her or yourself choose yourself because you are better off that way.
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06 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Took over a year for this lawyer to file my order. Only to find out a year later that I owe my ex child support when she told me no one will pay support. Wasted my money and my time on her and she was awful.
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28 May, 2014 by Anonymous
STAY AWAY!!! Cheapest retainer in town, but when she won't get off her rather generous rear end in court to submit evidence, you pay dearly in the end! She doesn't even present evidence you talk about in meetings, she doesn't present evidence you take the time to gather for her, she over-charges for everything...she made me agree to terms I wasn't agreeable to in order to "try to make it look like I was willing to work with the other party", but in the end, the other party got EVERYTHING they were asking for, and I got NOTHING I asked for! I could prove my ex is mentally unstable and unfit with a 2 inch binder of evidence - not one item was submitted to the judge. I have 3 witnesses which were sequestered - she never called on any of them...likely because it would require her to get off her butt and hand something to the judge. Then, she walks out of the courtroom and has the nerve to say "I am shocked at the judge's decision"!
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31 Oct, 2023 by Dawn
She was appointed by the court to be a Gardian adlitem for my son when he was 16. She was paid for services (we had 30 days to complete entire payment). She interviewed me 1x and kept just pushing it off. MY SON TURNED 18 & she still hadn't/hasnt filed ANY reports Not 1. I wish I could tell the courts ABSOLUTELY do not appoint her to b a child's only defense because the court system & Her both FAILED my son so miserably.
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10 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
I'm extremely disappointed in this attorney. She showed little interest in my case, never filed a single motion, or provided any legal advice of importance. She was unresponsive but gladly accepted my payment. I had to fire her and hire a new attorney. What a waste.
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19 Sep, 2020 by Ashly graham
Yes, I hired her and one year later I fired her. Why? Good question. I gave her over $3000.00 and to this day she NEVER EVER FILED A MOTION FOR MY CUSTODY. Al she did was lied to me and kept taking my money. So I had to hire another attorney. Yes I was told to sue her.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Andy chandler
Buser would have made given a slave trader in the 1850's a run for his money. RINO... but clearly a sign of the perversion of the party.
prosecutor's goals are to stack up charges and force people to run out of money defending themselves from charges they can file for free. That's not democracy, that's despotism.
This coming from a guy who's the great nephew of one of the party's founders.
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05 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Heather Barajas is a presiding judge in Crawfordsville, IN and presided on my case while knowingly having a Conflict of interest with me. My daughter's mother, Brandy Smith was working for Heather Barajas at her restaurant, The China Inn at the time these two conspired and commenced an ex parte protective order against me without an Affidavit or Hearing and commenced a criminal case against me without probable cause and issued a No contact order against me and put my daughter's first name in the order without a preponderance of evidence and have had me falsely arrested 3 times since March of 2020. She also released a friend of Brandy's from jail with pending heroin and needle charges and a previous conviction of heroin, meth, and needle charges at the same time ordering me to not have contact with my daughter without cause. I have evidence of Judicial Misconduct committed by Heather Barajas.
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30 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Heather Perkins was my court appointed lawyer. She would never call me back, the only time we talked about my case with me was 5 mins before court, where she proceeded to call me a liar and scare me into signing a plea agreement for a case that she could have easily won since the opposing party didn't even show.
Heather Perkins threw me under the bus so the state would have their conviction. She felt more sympathy for the state than she did for her own client. she used to in fact b prosecutor so that explains why she was trying to act like one by throwing her clients threw the wood chipper and scaring them all into signing their own conviction.
If this woman is elected judge this type of behavior would continue but at a higher level, injustice convictions for all guilty and innocent.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
In the past two years he has not yet been able to complete anything he speaks of. Did the paper work for him and still he doesn’t move. He lies constantly, even when he ask that you call him back and still no response. Why is he still able to practice? I’m only selecting 1 Star because it would not aloud me to leave it blank
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26 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Jay was very rude ,unprofessional, unprepared and of course late for court. He would arrive with shoes untied, hair not brushed and unprepared for my case. He did nothing but cost me more $ and then expect to be paid more when I dismissed him from my case. He's unstable and needs to calm down.
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09 May, 2017 by Rachel
This man was over priced, lazy, incompitent, and ignorant of the law. I had to do my own casework, reserch, and correct his mistakes in sentancing. He lied to me on two occations and I had to call around and get the information myself. Even though he wasn't doing Anything at all, he continued to ask fro more money constantly. I believe I may have a malpractice case on my hands with him.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Randi and her ugly assistant were both awful to me. If they don't like your answer they will gaslight you and threaten you with being a lawyer. They act like they are above everyone and better than anyone sitting across from them. Her assistant kept saying, "I'm done, I'm out of this." But then kept butting in and festering the situation. Randi is rude and says things like, "I don't care about the docket, I'm the lawyer here." And "keep it up I'll take it to a judge and give him a say. " horrible horrible people inside and out.
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08 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Randi was rude and very insulting to my situation and debt. Her staff were just as disrespectful and unwilling to answer your questions when asked. Just in the short time of dealing with Randi and her Law firm I would not recommend her at all. She continued to blow smoke as they say up our buts about what we could do and what we couldn't then preceded to down grade me and my wife about our family affairs. Take this review as you wish, its your choice either way.
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02 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Does not return phone calls just takes money and runs .worst attorney in valpo stay away from her.
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08 Jan, 2019 by Margaret
Retained this attorney. What a waste of money and time. Does not return calls. Abandoned me. Phone is always full and when you are able to leave a message she does not reply. Has not replied to emails or phone calls in 9 months. When 1st retained she will answer phone. After that good luck trying to get a hold of her.
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28 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Charged $20,000 and produced no results. Abandoned client the day before a court appearance and did not complete work that was previously requested.
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05 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
My experience with Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim (Leslie Craig Henderzahs) was devastating to my case. Ms. Henderzahs is a partner and to my own detriment, my trust in her was grossly misplaced. Upon hiring Ms. Henderzahs I was met with little response to my communication, failure to file necessary paperwork with the court, inadequate & unresolved negotiations with opposing counsel and failure to accomplish agenda set forth. I was in receipt of a coorespondence she sent to opposing counsel that was unprofessional and clearly showed to me her lack of passion and commitment to my case. I terminated her services but not before irreparable damage to my case. While interviewing 4 new attorneys, 3 shook their heads and had previous clients with similar experiences with Ms. Henderzahs. I strongly urge anyone in a vulnerable state to not put your trust in this attorney. Trust your instincts when interviewing attorneys and when you get a red flag...run.
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08 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney for a divorce case and she did nothing. She asked for a $1,500 retainer which I paid and she cashed. The first month there was communication. After the first month, communication just about stopped completely. I would call this attorney and she would say she would call me back "after court" and she never did. I would leave messages asking her to return my call and I would send texts and she would not return my phone call. I do not believe she even did a half hour of work on my case. I have now asked for a complete accounting and money back on my retainer and I have received no response.
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16 Apr, 2016 by Jarad
The consultation and the initial two weeks of her representing me were handled professionally. From that point, there was a lack of communication and focus on her part. And her billing practices are unethical to say the least. For example, I was billed almost $100 dollars for an email to and from the opposing legal counsel, and it took a month and a half to find out what the contents of that email was. While charging by the hour, she took a phone call from a family member, and from a client who had gotten arrested. She wouldn't answer any questions, told me she would call and never would. This went on for over a month, and I'm certain the only reason she ever contacted me again was because I asked that she no longer represent me, and for her to refund me the remainder of my retainer. So, when we were communicating often, and she was making phones calls and court appearances, I was billed $600 in services. When she didn't answer any calls or texts for over a month, she billed me $750 in services! I did not use her for negotiations, and even typed up my own legal documents once an agreement was reached with the opposing party. I have a ridiculous invoice for those charges that I wish I was allowed to post on this website so no one else falls for this game. I say again, when she was actually doing her job, I was charged $600, but when she did nothing for a month, I was charged $750. The reason for the breakdown in the relationship was due to her insisting that all communications and negotiations go through her. She kept stating that anything the opposing party and I agree upon will be rejected, because Jennifer had "experience" dealing with the opposing counsel. In reality, once the opposing counsel actually heard the agreement, it was advised that the opposing party accept it so that both parties could move forward. There were no objections whatsoever from the opposing legal counsel. I don't understand how she kept charging me over a month after I asked that she no longer represent me. I don't understand why she couldn't answer any calls of texts for two months. This is the first time I've ever needed a lawyer and I truly feel like that was used to take advantage of me. Instead of asking me whether I still felt I needed an attorney, she wanted to keep billing me for passing along information if/when she felt like it. The worst part about this, is that I Jennifer was recommended to me by someone I know she bent over backwards for to win the case. That's exactly why I say I was taken advantage of, knowing what she was capable of, and comparing that to the actual effort, or lack thereof, that was put into my case.
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17 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Did mediation with him. He did not know what we was talking about ,slow responding back. Felt like he was just using time to get more money.
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18 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Unorganized. Didn’t do her research. Didn’t listen to my concerns (which proved to hurt our case like I knew they would. Things that could have been changed, but she acted like I was stupid). I deeply regret using her. I feel I would have won with a competant lawyer. Should have been a simple case. Waste of money.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
Adrienne does not communicate when asked for details regarding issues and was working on my case without my involvement. The office in general is horrible to work with. Most of my correspondence was directed, per their request, via email and phone and rarely answered. My legal issue was handled horribly and cost me dearly.
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15 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Extremely poor legal representation in every aspect. He failed to keep me informed on any level whatsoever, misled me with worse case scenarios, and blatantly lied to me about the outcome and consequence of the legal decision he practically forced me into with strong arm tactics. I can't emphasize and stress enough how hiring this attorney is a complete waste of money and time.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
My ex and I wanted a peaceful divorce and custody agreement. This guy could care less about your kids and doing what is best for them.
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21 May, 2010 by Anonymous
She does not feel that getting requested and required paperwork out is important. As of 5/21/10, 3 court subpoenas for 3 different people were requested at least 2 weeks prior to today's date - none have been sent or even written.
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19 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Hired him for my divorce and paid him for retainer, he pretty much dragged his feet on getting this done quickly and charged me a arm and leg for pretty much nothing, I ended up settling my own divorce settlement with my ex and didnt get nearly what I could have if I had a attorney who was interested in helping to do this as quickly as possible.Overall it was stressful, I am a single woman without alot of money for legal fees and I felt that I was drained financially on a regular basis for representation that ai did not receive. I would not use his services again.
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29 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Herb is a very shaddy lawyer. He doesnt listen to clients. He will not stand up for you even if you are innocent. Herb is the last person you would want representing you and is very condescending. He will tell you what you want to hear then throw you to the wolves come crunch time. He's also part of the good ole boy program in Hendrix Co.
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06 Jul, 2015 by Chris
Ms. Gooden was a mediator in my divorce. She accomplished nothing. She spent at least 80% of her time with one side of the matter, mine, and did not attempt in any way to achieve mediation. At the end of the session I made an offer to my ex that was much more generous than what our arrangement was. Ms. Gooden did not discuss that offer with my ex. Ms. Gooden had another commitment and I must assume decided to leave before discussing the offer. If that is the case, that would be malpractice. Opposing counsel knew nothing of the offer so you make your own decision
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30 Jan, 2015 by Keesha
I hired Mr.Janes August of 2014 and it now the end of January of 2015 and the office is giving me the run around. No one returns phone calls, would not recommend
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16 Apr, 2020 by Christine
I hired Mr. Raskosky to handle my divorce and he did a very poor job. After settling at mediation and receiving the court papers and my settlement from the 401k, the financial settlement did not include the interest earned like it was supposed to. (Around $7,000+) my ex contested this and I had to fly up from Florida (I had moved) for a hearing. Mr. Raskosky did NOT represent my interests in court, he failed me completely, he not only didn’t make an argument on my behalf. He said NOTHING. The court order that I was to receive the interest from the 1 1/2 years that they had my money was reversed and I didn’t get the interest due. Keep in mind that the settlement was figured from the date of filing for divorce not the date of mediation, so I should have received this interest.
I want to make it very clear that I was required to fly from Florida which cost another $600 to attend a hearing that my attorney said NOTHING!! I had even told him just prior to the hearing to make sure that the judge understood that they had basically kept the money in the 401k for 1 1/2 years before dispersing it, they kept the interest that I was due. Yet he sat there and said nothing!!! Needless to say I never received another bill from him. I did speak with another attorney after this about filing a malpractice suit for failure to represent me and I was told that I had a case but lawyers are like Dr.s and it would be a long and costly process. I couldn’t afford the cost and just wanted to move on. Beware of this attorney, he didn’t provide representation for me so will he provide it for you?
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03 May, 2016 by Anonymous
I am going through a very difficult divorce. My old lawyer was wonderful but relocated and had to drop my case. So I met with this lawyer and initially she was all about helping me finally get my divorce. But as the weeks went on she became less and less helpful until I got the impression that she was more on my ex husbands side rather than mine. She then went to drop me stating that she thought I did not want this divorce to go through, believe me I do. When I contacted her to get the remained of my retainer fee back so I could use it to hire a new lawyer (as she was only hired for a few months and should not have gone through the whole amount) she refused to give me any amount back because she charged me for our initial consultation which I was not aware of even though she claims I was. I would not recommend this lawyer save your money and hire someone who will actually help your case.
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26 Jun, 2017 by Tony
I hired Tim Stoesz to represent me in my divorce case. That was a big mistake which costs me a lot. This lawyer starts avoiding me right after I paid the retainer. He won't return calls or emails. Expect huge delays and much frustration while dealing with him. When you confront him with facts, he becomes irritated easily and acts rudely. His reasoning for avoiding his clients is to keep the costs down, which is not true. Regardless, he will know little about your case and you will loose big throughout the process. If you need true representation I suggest that you find someone else. Good luck!
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13 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired as a divorce attorney, he was totally pre-occupied with himself running for circut judge. he failed me in many ways such as, not do anything i requested; like issue of subpoena's. He never returned my original documents and paperwork. I even believe he collaborated with my ex's attorney. The "Good Ol Boy's Club". He did NOTHING for me i could not have done myself. I only received 1/2 of the value of my home (which i would have received anyway) In addition, he agreed to holding a Mediation outside of the county i resided and the county he had his office. None of this was ever explained to me and i was bulldosed out of town. Horrible outcome that will forever affect my financial future Do not hire !
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15 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
From my experience i wasted 1500 dollars... we ended up having to hire another attorney... the differnce between the 2 attorney was Hunter did none of the leg work he told you maybe some people to call for his case... basically you do all the work... you represent your own case give it to him and he takes it infront of the Judge... If you want a good Attorney go to Linda Harris in Kentland Indiana... she does all the work even makes appointments gives good advice tells you what to do and how to do it... Im telling you all these things because dealing with the law is no fun. period and is worse when your attorney you are paying to do all the work does nothing to help you... it can effect your whole life so becareful... when choosing your attorneys
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31 Jan, 2023 by Nathaniel moorefield
Kathryn S. Garrett is supposed to be a guardian ad litem in a case. She is supposed to be a neutral party and clearly sides with DCS from day one. Not professional and called my children liars. Will be contacting the bar to let them know of her behavior.
Wouldn't recommend hiring this lady as she doesn't seem to know the definition of guardian ad litem...
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Goad to handle my divorce and child custody cases. At first he was very attentive but after six months, he became very laxed. He went for weeks without returning my calls when I had an upcoming hearing and through the information from other lawyers I have contacts with, unbeknownst to me, he made a lot of detrimental mistakes that have cost me dearly and he ended up running away with the money he made off of me to cover his errors. Do NOT use him! My ex even warned me having contacts that Mr Goad also screwed over. I did not want to believe it would happen to me but later it did.
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14 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very disappointed in the service I received from Shawn in my filing my dissolution of marriage. There was little to no communication, whenever I would ask questions I was treated like I was ignorant, and I was charged an absurd amount to have nearly nothing actually accomplished for me
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03 May, 2015 by Anonymous
I retained this attorney after reading her bio to handle my post divorce. Once retained, she misinformed me on several issues and billed me for months, over $5000 total for some emails and phone calls to opposing council, and filing several continuance to avoid court appearance. She withdrew her services one week before scheduled court date and left my case without resolution. I originally retained her after meeting with her in person, she told me she would represent me because I moved out of State. After I moved she informed me she could not do this with several excuses as to why, none of which made sense. She and her assistant are nothing but rude, unorganized and greedy. She charges $275 an hour to run her mouth with excuses and send emails. I am out $5000, down the toilet for nothing and now have to clean up the mess she and her staff made with my child support modifications. She even billed me for her time to file papers to quit my case without the courtesy of a simple phone call. She claims she is all about resolving family matters, what she did to me was simple callous.
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20 Jan, 2021 by Dick
Disgrace of a "magistrate", doesn't go by rule of law goes by feelings and gender. No wonder Boone county courts are a laughing stock.
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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.
