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10 Apr, 2024 by Jerry qualls
31 Mar, 2024 by Courtney verrick
Wonderful people
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08 Feb, 2024 by Juan hatcher
Would recommend to anyone! Professional from beginning to the end. Thank you all for the help and support!
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09 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
When I first hired her, Meghan was great! Confident and seemd to have a plan for my case. Then she just stopped...everything. Suddently she stopped talking to me or calling me back at all or taking my calls, even phone calls we scheduled ahead of time, and would not return emails or calls ever. I asked her to take herself off of my case but she never responded to that either and never filed the papers so she still shows up as my lawyer. Ver disappointed.
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08 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Megan never had time to meet or talk with me, and when we met with opposing counsel for a settlement agreement, she did not advise me or let me know what were my options were—because of this I lost everything. She admitted the next day that things fell through the cracks from her end, and that she needed to hurry things up because she needed to prepare for court. Is that working in the best interest of your client? Then, one year later I get a bill for $8,000. Office is very unorganized. Megan should stop practicing law as to not ruin people’s lives.
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25 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
This law firm took 8 months to file a QDRO that was already written and was not revised and I was charged over $1500. Extremely disorganized office and huge lack of communication. If you need legal services performed correctly and in a timely manner, do not use this firm.
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06 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Kelli Young because I was trying to protect my child from his abusive father. If you are having to hire a lawyer to begin with, then it's probably a terrible time in your life. It was like pulling teeth to get her to communicate with me, and when she did she was sending documents that I had to constantly correct her - like NAMES and dates of birth or inconsistent details. She is one of the most incompetent lawyers I have ever had the misfortune to work with. All she cared about was payment, and even though we paid our bills on time, she decided in the midst of our case that she didn't want to work on it any longer. DO NOT HIRE!!!!
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02 Jan, 2020 by Desiree
Kelli was my attorney as I was going through my divorce in 2014-15 and the hectic time shortly after 2016-17. She helped me navigate the unknown territory of child support, visitation, and helped develop a peaceful solution that would keep my ex and I from continuously going back to court. Her expertise in family law truly shows and I would recommend her to anyone facing a similar situation.
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11 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Kelli was my attorney for over a year in a personal injury case. During this time, I repeatedly attempted to touch base with her to stay abreast on the details.
For some reason, after never hearing from her, i had an inkling that she was not putting any time into my case. I then began calling her secretary who assured me that she was relaying my messages to Kelli young, and asked that my calls be returned.
However, Kelli never bothered to return any of my calls. After over a year and a half without any reasonable, or just cause, in the 11th hour, she decided that she did not wish to continue her representation. She then had her secretary to contact me to pick-up my file. She too, offered no explanation.
I first assumed that they had received an offer, but that was not the case. I suddenly was left to search for another attorney at the last minute; before the statute of limitations ran out. Thank goodness I found a reputable attorney just in time to take over the case.
Within 6 months, the new attorney got me a nice size settlement. He worked diligently, and did more work in that short time than Kelli did in almost two years. The truth of the matter is that she was simply too lazy to work.
She's a joke & not qualified to represent a caged hamster. To this day, she never extended any common courtesy as to provide an explaination. I feel that i deserved that much at the very least.
Don't waste your time with this attorney. You will only regret it.
No need to post my name. She knows exactly who I am. Too bad they dont offer a zero score; as that is exactly what I rate her.
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07 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Giving Jane 2 stars as she has the potential to be a good lawyer however when she represented me in 2022 as a Keffer-Hirschauer attorney I was disappointed on many occasions . Jane completed a lot of work last minute, which might have been the result of Keffer-Hirschauer overloading their attorneys with too many cases. Regarding spousal maintenance, Jane wasted months before asking the court for a hearing on spousal maintenance, and Jane did not follow through with the request once filed. Jane recommended signing certain financial agreements without communicating the possibility that future hearing dates may be rescheduled or extended, which lead to me being left without funding for many months. Lastly, a few weeks before a scheduled mediation and final hearing date Jane was either fired from Keffer-Hirschauer or left Keffer-Hirschauer on her own, (I have not been given a reason for her departure from either side) which then extended my mediation and final hearing, left me in a desperate financial situation and resulted in an exorbitant amount of legal fee's as I had to start over with a new lawyer.
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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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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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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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21 Aug, 2024 by William
Allison has not fulfilled her obligation as my attorney. I hired her in March 2022 and it is now August 2024 and she completely ignored my case, will not return my calls to get my case closed. Now I am struggling to get this done or dismissed to start over again. She accepted my money and did not complete her obligation. She did not give me proper advice and is not responding. I am not the only one she has done this to. Just check google. I can’t even find her to sue her!
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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.
