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08 Nov, 2024 by Lexie beal
Very unprofessional
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24 Sep, 2024 by Fred
Drear,Kristina, just know what you did for me and the secure that you gave me at that depressing, confusing, unexpected time for me I don't think your guardian angels have to be spirit accumulated I believe there already here and you are one that beats any criteria of what a guardian angel consists of and I love you for that. Like I told you well maybe I told my mom but I hope I told you "That's the kind of Women want to MARRY". Thanks again you will always have an open spot and all of my family is hearts reserved for you without any chance of being exchanged.
Love from- Frederick D,N Hollingsworth
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30 Aug, 2024 by Kathryn knepel
23 Sep, 2024 by Chop nyagoa
Unprofessional and Disrespectful
I had a terrible experience with Catherine Scott while inquiring about a family member’s case. Not only was she unprofessional, but she was also unnecessarily sassy and condescending throughout our conversation. I expected someone handling juvenile cases to be compassionate and understanding, but instead, I was met with dismissiveness and a lack of basic courtesy.
It was difficult to get clear answers, and Catherine Scott seemed more interested in cutting me off and being rude rather than providing helpful information. If you’re looking for a lawyer who actually respects you and takes your concerns seriously, I would recommend looking elsewhere.
The icing on the cake was when she didn’t even know Name or the Contact information for the MOTHER of the juvenile she was meant to represent! What kind of show are these people running? BFFR
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08 Jun, 2024 by John tjelmeland
24 May, 2024 by Brian hulse
29 Jan, 2025 by Nikki lindemann
Nick Wingert is an absolute god send. He is understanding, promp, hardworking and has gone above and beyond for my case and my overall wellbeing. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Not only is he a good lawyer, he's a good person. Thanks for everything Nick!!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Tammy wright
08 Nov, 2024 by Me me
terrible at his job, and yells
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29 Dec, 2024 by Nick jones
Don’t ever use this law firm all the will do is help you lose the children.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Wolfvindicated
I can’t speak on everyone at this law firm, but I cannot in good conscience recommend Keith Buzzard as a lawyer to anyone. My experience with him has been an absolute nightmare.
Keith has greatly neglected my case. He always says he will do xyz in ___ amount of time, (without even being prompted to give a timeframe) then he never does. Instead he will take weeks or even months longer than he says he will. This led to me having to call frequently to see when he was finally going to do what he’d say he would, which I’m sure was by design since they charge you $225 per phone call and he won’t answer emails… Yet, he wouldn’t call back when I’d leave voicemails either, so I learned his schedule real quick because I refuse to be ignored.
He didn’t advocate for me at all when it came to getting alimony (even though I was a stay at home mom at the time of divorce), getting assets in my name (so I lost 2/3 vehicles we had and the one I have isn’t even in my name so I can’t sell it), nor for better child support (please tell me how $240 a month is enough for 3 children in this economy when our incomes are so different)… Pretty sure he didn’t believe me when I told him I was leaving an abusive situation and was terrified…
I ended up homeless and in a hotel for awhile and faced constant fear of living on the streets for a year and a half… I asked for him to help me get full custody of my youngest until she was done breastfeeding since she was only 8 months old. He didn’t even bring up the topic in court. So I had to give up breastfeeding and listen to my daughter scream cry for me when I’d give her to her dad.
I filed some motions on my own but they’d get denied because it wasn’t from my lawyer… So I’d fill them out then make him file, and once he “filed incorrectly” then waited until after the weekend to fix it even though he said he’d fix it right away…
I had to remind him to put my name change in the final divorce decree, as well as to give my ex a time limit for when I could receive the divorce money. It’s a good thing I did too, or I’d have been totally screwed because my ex took MONTHS after his time limit was up… and Keith didn’t want to file for contempt (so I filled out the paperwork myself). The whole time it felt like Keith was advocating more for my ex than me.
The only reason I was able to get the money for Keith is because my grandpa gave me some of my inheritance money and he told me to get a good lawyer. I feel like I failed him by wasting money on this lawyer. My parents recommended I report him to the board for neglect on my case and I definitely will.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Joanne baron
Tim Jeffrey was absolutely great in helping us get through one of the most difficult times of our lives. I would highly recommend him for any of your legal issues. He is a competent, knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Thank you, Tim.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Nick jones
Don’t ever use this law firm all the will do is help you lose the children.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Wolfvindicated
I can’t speak on everyone at this law firm, but I cannot in good conscience recommend Keith Buzzard as a lawyer to anyone. My experience with him has been an absolute nightmare.
Keith has greatly neglected my case. He always says he will do xyz in ___ amount of time, (without even being prompted to give a timeframe) then he never does. Instead he will take weeks or even months longer than he says he will. This led to me having to call frequently to see when he was finally going to do what he’d say he would, which I’m sure was by design since they charge you $225 per phone call and he won’t answer emails… Yet, he wouldn’t call back when I’d leave voicemails either, so I learned his schedule real quick because I refuse to be ignored.
He didn’t advocate for me at all when it came to getting alimony (even though I was a stay at home mom at the time of divorce), getting assets in my name (so I lost 2/3 vehicles we had and the one I have isn’t even in my name so I can’t sell it), nor for better child support (please tell me how $240 a month is enough for 3 children in this economy when our incomes are so different)… Pretty sure he didn’t believe me when I told him I was leaving an abusive situation and was terrified…
I ended up homeless and in a hotel for awhile and faced constant fear of living on the streets for a year and a half… I asked for him to help me get full custody of my youngest until she was done breastfeeding since she was only 8 months old. He didn’t even bring up the topic in court. So I had to give up breastfeeding and listen to my daughter scream cry for me when I’d give her to her dad.
I filed some motions on my own but they’d get denied because it wasn’t from my lawyer… So I’d fill them out then make him file, and once he “filed incorrectly” then waited until after the weekend to fix it even though he said he’d fix it right away…
I had to remind him to put my name change in the final divorce decree, as well as to give my ex a time limit for when I could receive the divorce money. It’s a good thing I did too, or I’d have been totally screwed because my ex took MONTHS after his time limit was up… and Keith didn’t want to file for contempt (so I filled out the paperwork myself). The whole time it felt like Keith was advocating more for my ex than me.
The only reason I was able to get the money for Keith is because my grandpa gave me some of my inheritance money and he told me to get a good lawyer. I feel like I failed him by wasting money on this lawyer. My parents recommended I report him to the board for neglect on my case and I definitely will.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Joanne baron
Tim Jeffrey was absolutely great in helping us get through one of the most difficult times of our lives. I would highly recommend him for any of your legal issues. He is a competent, knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Thank you, Tim.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Nick jones
Don’t ever use this law firm all the will do is help you lose the children.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Wolfvindicated
I can’t speak on everyone at this law firm, but I cannot in good conscience recommend Keith Buzzard as a lawyer to anyone. My experience with him has been an absolute nightmare.
Keith has greatly neglected my case. He always says he will do xyz in ___ amount of time, (without even being prompted to give a timeframe) then he never does. Instead he will take weeks or even months longer than he says he will. This led to me having to call frequently to see when he was finally going to do what he’d say he would, which I’m sure was by design since they charge you $225 per phone call and he won’t answer emails… Yet, he wouldn’t call back when I’d leave voicemails either, so I learned his schedule real quick because I refuse to be ignored.
He didn’t advocate for me at all when it came to getting alimony (even though I was a stay at home mom at the time of divorce), getting assets in my name (so I lost 2/3 vehicles we had and the one I have isn’t even in my name so I can’t sell it), nor for better child support (please tell me how $240 a month is enough for 3 children in this economy when our incomes are so different)… Pretty sure he didn’t believe me when I told him I was leaving an abusive situation and was terrified…
I ended up homeless and in a hotel for awhile and faced constant fear of living on the streets for a year and a half… I asked for him to help me get full custody of my youngest until she was done breastfeeding since she was only 8 months old. He didn’t even bring up the topic in court. So I had to give up breastfeeding and listen to my daughter scream cry for me when I’d give her to her dad.
I filed some motions on my own but they’d get denied because it wasn’t from my lawyer… So I’d fill them out then make him file, and once he “filed incorrectly” then waited until after the weekend to fix it even though he said he’d fix it right away…
I had to remind him to put my name change in the final divorce decree, as well as to give my ex a time limit for when I could receive the divorce money. It’s a good thing I did too, or I’d have been totally screwed because my ex took MONTHS after his time limit was up… and Keith didn’t want to file for contempt (so I filled out the paperwork myself). The whole time it felt like Keith was advocating more for my ex than me.
The only reason I was able to get the money for Keith is because my grandpa gave me some of my inheritance money and he told me to get a good lawyer. I feel like I failed him by wasting money on this lawyer. My parents recommended I report him to the board for neglect on my case and I definitely will.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Joanne baron
Tim Jeffrey was absolutely great in helping us get through one of the most difficult times of our lives. I would highly recommend him for any of your legal issues. He is a competent, knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Thank you, Tim.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Brian gorzney
24 Apr, 2024 by Kristin mcallister
If I could give 0 stars, I would. These people have been absolutely horrible to us. We were trying to get some answers quickly about my dad and they hung up on my sister. They were so rude. I would never recommend using them, especially in trying times with end of life stuff with my dad.
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11 Mar, 2022 by Randy decker
14 Oct, 2024 by Alex cunningham
I felt confident that Paul Statler was going to take care of my case but all of a sudden withdrew without calling me back and telling me the reason why. Very upsetting when facing a charge can easily be Taken care of but apparently my case wasn't at the top of his Priority.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Julie partee
Super nice Staff. Very Attentive! Awesome Attorneys P.L.C.
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08 Jul, 2024 by John smith
25 Oct, 2024 by M.b. l.
William pulled a rabbit out of a hat and helped me settle a frivolous lawsuit without having to spend the time or money in court. His guidance and expertise were invaluable.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Marcia deroin
I couldn't get other attorneys to respond to my issue but Goosmann did and gave me the advice I needed. I deeply appreciate it.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Joseph mcmahan
I use their service for one day to get a consultation which was $300. I then get a scam email from one of their people. I think it’s just a statement and click on it. I don’t hear until the next day about this. I wouldn’t trust this law firm with anything confidential. I emailed the person and they never even got back to me.
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25 Oct, 2024 by M.b. l.
William pulled a rabbit out of a hat and helped me settle a frivolous lawsuit without having to spend the time or money in court. His guidance and expertise were invaluable.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Marcia deroin
I couldn't get other attorneys to respond to my issue but Goosmann did and gave me the advice I needed. I deeply appreciate it.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Joseph mcmahan
I use their service for one day to get a consultation which was $300. I then get a scam email from one of their people. I think it’s just a statement and click on it. I don’t hear until the next day about this. I wouldn’t trust this law firm with anything confidential. I emailed the person and they never even got back to me.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Nikki lindemann
Nick Wingert is an absolute god send. He is understanding, promp, hardworking and has gone above and beyond for my case and my overall wellbeing. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Not only is he a good lawyer, he's a good person. Thanks for everything Nick!!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Tammy wright
08 Nov, 2024 by Me me
terrible at his job, and yells
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03 Dec, 2024 by Brad waltermyer
Reached out to Howes Law Firm to represent me during my divorce. During the entire process, they treated me not only as a client but as a person that was going through alot at the time. Matt Kashinami was my lawyer and did an awesome job of keeping things in perspective for me and helping me to make the right decisions. I can truly say that he is not only a great lawyer but a friend as well. If you don’t want to just be another client I highly recommend Matt and Howes Law Firm.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Ryan sears
07 Oct, 2024 by Mia barrios
03 Dec, 2024 by Brad waltermyer
Reached out to Howes Law Firm to represent me during my divorce. During the entire process, they treated me not only as a client but as a person that was going through alot at the time. Matt Kashinami was my lawyer and did an awesome job of keeping things in perspective for me and helping me to make the right decisions. I can truly say that he is not only a great lawyer but a friend as well. If you don’t want to just be another client I highly recommend Matt and Howes Law Firm.
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07 Nov, 2024 by Ryan sears
07 Oct, 2024 by Mia barrios
08 Jan, 2025 by Pat humphrey
Ryan wasted my time, wasted my money. Did not pay attention to any of the details for my case and then took no accountability.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Mitchell meyers
Made a difficult situation simple! Highly recommended
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17 Nov, 2024 by Jill kolbe
Stacey doesn’t mince words and tell you only what you want to hear, but will say exactly what you need to hear. She was firm and direct, and (ultimately) a wonderful full advocate when I needed her most! Highly recommend!!
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12 Oct, 2024 by Dan oien
07 Nov, 2023 by David tait
24 Aug, 2023 by Kathy mccallister
07 Oct, 2024 by Brendan plays
Worse lawyer I’ve worked with will not recommend to no one takes your money and doesn’t help how he should
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28 Mar, 2024 by Tyler adamson
Joe helped me with my first OWI case and he went above and beyond for a lawyer. He helped guide me through all the appropriate steps to re obtain a license and get this in the rear view to move forward. I hope I never have to call him for anything but If I need him I know who my guy is. Would recommend to anyone especially close family.
Thanks Joe!
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24 Sep, 2023 by Jacob green
Highly recommend working with Joe. His availability and communication was second to none. Not to mention his knowledge & expertise of the process.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Brendan plays
Worse lawyer I’ve worked with will not recommend to no one takes your money and doesn’t help how he should
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28 Mar, 2024 by Tyler adamson
Joe helped me with my first OWI case and he went above and beyond for a lawyer. He helped guide me through all the appropriate steps to re obtain a license and get this in the rear view to move forward. I hope I never have to call him for anything but If I need him I know who my guy is. Would recommend to anyone especially close family.
Thanks Joe!
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09 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Gary was nothing but an absolute disappointment from the very beginning. He did nothing but continually let us down and was extremely unhelpful. There was nothing more disheartening and humiliating than showing up to court without him, not having a single clue he dropped us without communicating a single word. He took advantage and pocketed $6,000 and never looked back. The lack of communication and professionalism was disgraceful. He didn’t even have the decency to tell us he was no longer representing my family member with no explanation. He is a lawyer you never want to hire.
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08 May, 2024 by Nancy bauman
This guy is the one you want fighting for whatever you need legal help with. Odd review, but honest, he was the opposing counsel in a child custody case I was involved in over 20 years ago. Since that case ended, I sought him out for several other needs. Seriously, this guy will/ does go above and beyond for his clients. Couldn't recommend any better lawyer.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Elena reedy
17 Apr, 2024 by Cheryl beuterbaugh
I give him 0 stars as he did not fulfill his duties as my estate attorney he did not clarify what he needed I could not read his handwriting I would never use him again
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31 Oct, 2024 by Bryant dull
Dana Judas moonlights as a county magistrate and she completely botched my open-and-shut case. Her performance was so egregious that the Court actually mailed me a note admitting she had screwed everything up. If Dana Judas performs this poorly on such a simple matter, I can only imagine how piss poor she is as an actual attorney... She'll cut corners, and not take your case seriously.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Kelly tomkins
07 May, 2024 by Patrick madison
Men, steer clear of this place...Here's the reasons why.
...It's exactly how all of these other reviews are. Dana Judas is one of the worst attorneys we have ever hired. We have hired numerous real estate and family law lawyers throughout the years. Hands down doesn't have any fight, sided with other counsel numerous times just to get a tentative decision without going to court. Would go as far as to begin deals without consulting us.
WE created all the exhibits, and she billed us for that.
We would ask a question about the case and wouldn't receive a call back for weeks. When she did call back she wouldn't have anything prepped from our exhibits, emails. Prepping for court we went in and she wouldn't have anything figured out as she was trying to ask questions about all the info we had already sent her, which means no review at all. We put down a retainer for court and our first visit with her things starting going south. She started getting frustrated by us having an opinion of how we wanted the problem handled. Save your money,
They conveniently billed out the retainer to the max without going to court . My belief it was to keep our money (BTW). Just shows distrust. She stated the retainer would be for review, prep, and hearing. You know most of the retainer is when you sit in court all day. Didn't end up in court because i was feeling she wasn't qualified to handle my case. Either she was getting fired or withdrawing from the case. She didn't even file all of our exhibits. Once again conveniently billed it all the way up to our full retainer.
What a joke! If you're a guy it's tough already. Having an attorney that doesn't fight makes it even worse.
She just laughed and said my wife sent her a thank you email saying "sorry it ended up like this".
I mean what else is someone suppose to say "with class" to part ways with someone who doesn't perform their job correctly.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Aron muteba
16 Aug, 2023 by Jerry denney
Worst lawyer around, dropped out the day be fore court. Paid for 4 years and didn't even finish anything they started
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29 Apr, 2023 by Sanel kadusic
Very honest and to the point
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14 Aug, 2024 by Aron muteba
16 Aug, 2023 by Jerry denney
Worst lawyer around, dropped out the day be fore court. Paid for 4 years and didn't even finish anything they started
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29 Apr, 2023 by Sanel kadusic
Very honest and to the point
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02 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
He's a joke ... he says he here to help but definitely doesn't listen and just wrecks people's life's when there isn't reason to ... thanks alot Anthony
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22 Sep, 2022 by Jeramie doran
They take care of the people that need take care of. Just don't break the law and you'll be good
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23 Feb, 2022 by Jacob van cleaf
01 Oct, 2024 by Kelly egen
Million dollar view. Great People. Huge Money Tree(arbacola).
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02 Dec, 2023 by Chas felton
29 Sep, 2023 by Joseph skow
Don't waste your time. Find an actual attorney.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Gee rrr
Don’t trust this guy
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16 Mar, 2024 by Tracy wooten
Mr. Widdison is the nicest lawyer I have ever met. He did an amazing job for me. I definitely would recommend him to anyone that needs help.
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07 Jun, 2023 by Kyle geveshausen
Couldn't have asked for a better Lawyer. Was great to work with through a child custody case several years ago.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Susan lee
Even this law firm would not represent me but pointed me to the right directions for resources in a fast response.
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12 Apr, 2024 by Charles derrig
04 Mar, 2023 by Renee rugg
No issues in helping me when my husband passed. I will be using Nicholas Cochran's services in near future.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Rastede took on my last minute case. She is a no nonsense kinda gal and does a fantastic job. She really knows law, remembers details and is very organized and reliable. I trusted her completely. I would highly recommend!
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31 Jan, 2021 by Rodger
She was referred to me by my therapist that I was seeing regarding my divorce. My therapist advised me that this attorney was, as she put it "A real b***h" and that is what you need in a divorce attorney. Well it turned out that she has no compassion other than for the price she can charge and that's it. She said she was going to do something and then in the end I found out it was never done, but I was still charged for it. Divorce is hard enough, you don't need her and you don't need to give her all your money with nothing in return. Keep looking, there are much better attorneys that will actually care about you. Try to get a male attorney, that is what I did and it was a good choice. Teresa is not what you want if you are a man looking for a fair settlement.
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15 Sep, 2011 by Anonymous
Teresa was by my side for my ENTIRE court proceeding. She kept me well informed, and always helped with any questions I had. Very quick and very sharp! She's just amazing and pleasant, all around :)
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13 Feb, 2024 by Janelle ringger
19 Dec, 2023 by James smith
Not happy with the services. Robberts did not have my best interest , was only looking out for the money. trying to bog the process down in a bunch of expensive legal accounting work instead of doing what I ask when I finally question things she asked to withdraw as my lawyer.
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25 Feb, 2023 by Sarah thul
Very knowledgeable, thorough, and respectful. Ms. Robberts protects your best interests. She helps remove emotions during emotional matters to ensure the best outcome. I drive almost 2 hours for her representation. She (and her team) are the best and worth EVERY penny.
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07 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
This lady is something else never called me regarding my case then had a attitude because I kept calling her she was soooo rude and even hung up in my face I’m over it already I definitely wouldn’t recommend this lady for nothing
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21 May, 2021 by Anonymous
She was my court appointed attorney when my abusive ex husband (who was in jail) called my phone several times and I answered. Keep in mind even though I had a no contact order in place it was lifted for some stupid reason 3X his charges were completely dismissed where he was almost released prior to the state prosecution corrected it. But the jail was letting him dial out to my number because they claim P.O. was lifted. Because I answered the phone and the prosecuting attorney wanted my ex husband to plea he arrested me when I showed up to his court hearing to testify against him. So I ended up spending 17 days in jail for violating my own order of protection for a total of 12 counts which out of all those calls he was charged zero counts. Judge released me once I went before him and was shocked that I was in jail for violating my own order of protection. My attorney was absolutely NOT nice and rude to my family as well. Being appointed as my attorney I would have hoped she would have had an ounce of understanding of my situation but no. Felt like I was a habitual criminal who committed a heinous felony based on how I was treated. Who wants an attorney who judges us even though court appointed I am sure she does not have to take those kind of cases.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Jessica was appointed to me by the courts. From day one she came off as a prosecutor vs my defense attorney. She hardly listened to anything I had to say. She was very discouraging and frankly rude, mean and cold hearted. I do not believe that she worked in my best interest, nor am I happy with the outcome. I definitely would not recommend her as a defense attorney!!!
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02 Sep, 2024 by Elva wells
15 May, 2024 by Justin olson
Terrible lawyer that doesn't know a damn thing, doesn't do as you ask and then will blame everything on the client afterwards. Worse law firm I've ever dealt with, the main lawyer is extremely incompetent and always unprepared.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Katie
16 Feb, 2024 by Gunther
He protects me from foolishness and keeps my records clean from other people's lies. I pay him what he ask for.
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20 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Not sure if it was a stretch to say his client was in fear of his life because of the George Floyd incident. That defense seems more like banking in on a tragedy that occurred to a black man who was killed by negligence when the crime was petty. His client had a warrant, knew he was going to be extradited to another state and did not want to go plan and simple. He pushed the driver out of the car and drove with an officer on the hood and ended up breaking his back. I have no doubt being black and being approached by a white officer may be intimidating but you can’t cry George Floyd like wolf any time a black person is approached by an white officer. Based on that logic as part of his defense I have questions of his competence as an attorney and his judgment and logic.
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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.
