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05 Feb, 2018 by Jim
Wendy is the third attorney to take up my case and by far the best. I was very happy with the result and I know she did her best to pick up the pieces from my previous lawyer(s) mistakes. She's confident, responsive and delivered beyond my expectations.
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23 Jan, 2018 by Lauren m.
Being a parent herself, Wendy has been very empathetic, understanding, and vigilant in my custody case. She knows the details backward and forward and often comes to me with the same thought or idea I intended to present to her. She is extremely well-versed in family law and has been nothing but overly prepared each and every time we have gone in front of the judge. Wendy is an honest, hard-working, respectable, and down-to-earth attorney who I would absolutely recommend to anyone going through a divorce.
In regards to the comment below, I am concerned that someone would fraudulently use my name to make false statements about Ms. Norman and myself.
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21 Jan, 2018 by Lisa
I first hired Wendy to help me in my divorce. It was a tough one and she was great. I had problems with my ex after the divorce and had to go back to court. I called Wendy right away. Just like the first time around, she listened to me, talked to me and I got another great outcome. If my ex gives me trouble again, I will call Wendy. Can't get any better than the best!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Karenth villatoro
Los mejores!!!!!
Especialmente abogada Andrea Pinzon excelente trabajo, corazón y dedicación , es una bendición haberla encontrado en este país.
Les agradezco el apoyo que me han brindado, 🙏les deseo lo mejor a todos los que forman parte de este equipo de trabajo. Bendiciones
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05 Sep, 2024 by Kareen d
The flare program or whatever is a scam. Just collecting money. No follow up or calls.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Starla
Very helpful thank you ladies
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02 Jun, 2017 by Brad
Mr. Tipping is a hard-nosed, honest and conscientious man who does not suffer fools lightly. When i'm in a tough spot, this is who i call. The man is legal excellence personified. Two thumbs up, and only because i don't have more hands.
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02 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I know lawyers. I think that I could have been a good lawyer, but I could not have been as good as Mr. Tipping. He is straight forward. I don't know if everyone appreciates that about him. He says what is on his mind. He reviews contracts faster than anyone I've ever seen. He is amazing. If you need a contract reviewed, he'll get it back to you in less than a week. He is also an unrelenting debt collector. I think he enjoys collecting debt and that is hard to find. I would recommend him to anyone!
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29 Aug, 2015 by John
I hired him to handle my most recent landlord tenant dispute. He knew everything and had it taken care of with a month. I don't know what the other review was about, but I'd highly recommend him.
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30 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I am not one to typically write online reviews, but perhaps my experience will save others money. I consulted with Mr Loucel for estate planning advice for myself and my mother specifically about methods to protect assets from Medicare claims (he home). He charged me $500 to do research to confirm an irrevocable trust was the best path. After a couple of non response to my emails, I went to another attorney in the same field. At NO CHARGE, i was given a totally different answer. If estate planning is his specialty, in MY OPINION, he should have know about homestead exemption limits on property which would have negated the need for an irrevocable trust (again based on advice from the other attorney as i am no expert in law.
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26 Mar, 2014 by Lowell
Mr. Loucel was very professional in our dealings in the divorce and
It was a pleasure to have him on my side. He surely made it a little easier
to deal with each issue by explaining the details of family law.
Thank you for everything.
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27 Jun, 2013 by George
Having met with Mr. Loucel before making any decisions he outline fully his responsibilities for this case.
Following that I received full documentation of what information was required and we agreed a fee.
Several further meetings and discussions were held and submitted to the court.
Mr Loucel kept me well informed of the status of the proceedings for the whole of the time.
The case was concluded to my satisfaction and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
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18 Apr, 2013 by Michael
I found Ms. Salam very informative, I have not hired her yet, but I had a consultation with her. She took her time explaining exactly what was happening and my choices in dealing with my case. I definitely got my money's worth and I highly recommend her.
Michael
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16 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Sharon was incredibly motivated, but obviously operating under very immense stress levels. My case was very high conflict with many complexities, but Sharon often seemed annoyed when I asked for advice. In the short time she represented me, she frequently complained that she would rather be doing anything else than deal with my case. This made it very difficult for me to approach her with anything, and the working relationship quickly deteriorated. Regardless, I really liked her, and I believe Sharon is a good attorney. I still sincerely wish we could have worked things out. I think maybe she has just reached the burnout level in her career and should consider retiring or doing mediation full-time instead.
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17 Sep, 2016 by Homer
I hired John and from the beginning until the end he was on point with everything we had went over about my case. I finally found an attorney that really fought for me and I would recommend him highly to all my family and friends and continue to use him if I ever need an attorney in the future.
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18 Jan, 2016 by Latricia
I hired John Leombruno to represent me on a few Violation of Injunction Charges. I hired other attorneys (ex-state attorney and others)who didn't put in half the work and told me to settle for whatever deal the state had to offer. John listen to me, never disrespected me no matter how anxious I was for him to plead my innocence. He did the work to back up my case and it ended with a favorable result! Charges dismissed.
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05 Jun, 2015 by Chris
I never write reviews on products or services however I always read them when making decisions. I felt in this case I had to!
I had an indication late on a Friday afternoon that I was going to receive an injunction. I immediately started researching what I was going to be facing and lawyers to help in my case. I called several lawyers and was able to get a phone appointment with John on Monday.
Sure enough I was served with papers at 1pm on Monday and had court 8am the next day. Imagine my stress levels at that point. Fortunately I had my phone appointment at 2pm with John. John had taken his time to explain everything and we were on the phone longer than the time he allotted. Understanding my concerns, he met me in his office late that afternoon, to discuss my case. He took his time and explained to me in detail how the process works, the options we have, and his costs. We were the last ones to leave his office!
We went to court and he fought hard for me, was a quick thinker who thought outside the box, and won me my case. I am happy to be past this issue. I had no one else to help me given the time restraints, and if it weren't for John, the outcome would've turned out a lot different. I made the right choice in having John defend me.
If you want a lawyer who is quick, efficient, will do his best to win, and will not overprice, John is your guy!!
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22 Nov, 2023 by Wilhelmina
Has not replied to me yet. I'm hoping that he's on my document paperwork for a reason. I somehow think I hired him somewhere as she's on my documents. I hope he replies. He does look like an interesting man in this picture. Thank you
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04 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
He handled my case , and fought like he had no experience ! Ask questions unrelated to the case and i told him he set me up to fail ! His line of questions was unrelated ! And we lost the case and i am left severely disabled !
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08 Aug, 2013 by Tom
I was injured in a car accident several years ago. I met Kevin at McGrath Gibson in conjunction with being represented by Brad Gibson. Kevin handled the litigation of my case and got the insurance company to make a reasonable offer to settle my case at mediation. This came after a long battle and years of my case being denied of for no good reason. He was very knowledgeable and really helped me understand all of the issues in my case. I would highly recommend Kevin and his law firm.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
I used Julia’s service’s three different times in the past year, all for a related case.
Julia went above and beyond each time to listen to me, answer my texts or phone calls, and take extra time to prepare for the hearing until I felt comfortable.
She takes a direct no-nonsense approach to her cases and uses high levels of discernment in sorting out the facts & truth and letting them speak for themselves.
I was thankful to have her on my side to win all 3 of my cases and would highly recommend her to anyone.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Elijah d.
Julia got me in a far worse jam than I started out in. I got 2 traffic citations for one stop and didnt want to pay the fine plus receive the points on my license. I hired Julia and said the most important thing to me is not receiving any points on my license. She set a hearing 2 months out and didn't even notify me of the result. I had to track her down (she does not communicate) until I finally got a hold of her and she told me I had to pay the court fees and attend a 12 hour IN-PERSON driving school. I asked if that meant I wouldnt get any points and she had NO IDEA. She is either playing me or very inept. I have kept trying to call her and she does not respond.
So instead of paying the fine and getting points I now...
-paid her
-pay court fees
pay for driving school
-waste 12 hours of my life on driving school
-still get points
AWFUL HUMAN
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01 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
This is a little story from a few years back.
I came to Julia in a jam regarding an issued criminal citation from Georgia. Julia guided me through the process from start to finish. She communicated well and got all of the information she needed from me. As a result, she convinced the prosecutor to drop the charges.
Highly recommend this wonderful attorney if you’re in a Florida or Georgia criminal jam.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Neil Weinreb was my attorney and did an amazing job. He is a wonderful person with compassion who will fight for your cause with all he has. Such a blessing to have him on our side.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This attorney has been very impressive. Honestly, im glad he is on our side. It took him only moments to digest 100s of pages of discovery. He is not intimidated easily.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Don’t waste your time with this attorney, he is unorganized and mismanages his work load. He responds late to emails, phone calls and will not represent you correctly. This attorney has costed us more in attorney fees than I originally expected to pay. Now i have to hire a new attorney and i am out of 8 thousands dollars due to his negligence.
Please be aware
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12 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr Jubran cost myself and my family an exuberant amount of money with little to no resolution to my child custody case. Him and opposing council kept getting the case continued for over a year, but they didn’t care, because they were getting paid. Mr Jubran made many legal mistakes and refused to admit them in court. He filed a motion that had incorrect information on it, and never sent it to me, before filing it. This made me look like a liar in court. All he had to do was stand up and admit that was his mistake. He refused to do so. Mr Jubran assured me that it did not hurt my case, yet every time we were in court, opposing council would use it against me! He also assured me that I would not have to keep paying him while my case was being appealed, because all other motions would be put on hold. That was a lie and he continued to send me a bill every month. Mr Jubran would act like he cared but he doesn’t care about you or your kids, he only cares about the money!
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23 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Sam was very helpful, easy to talk to ,and extremely knowledgable! I had a very difficult situation to deal with and I felt like stuck in between a rock and a hard place. He help me figure out how to handle things and keep me calm during the entire case. I would highly recommend Sam if you need someone to fight for you and WIN!
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08 Feb, 2017 by Bobby
Very professional and knowledgeable. Mr. Jubran did a great job. I really appreciate his enthusiasm towards family law.
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19 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Pretends he has an assistant. He's the only one in his office. Has no help so when you call, you'll hear his "secretary" but there is none. He's not very knowledgeable in his field and will constantly ask you the same thing over and over that you have already answered and provided. He's more stressful to deal with than your soon to be ex. Definitely wish I had done more research before I gave him my money.
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23 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired him and he was working with my ex husband , when I paid him for the case
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05 Mar, 2016 by Gigi
Levi Morris is an excellent attorney. I am very grateful for all his efforts throughout my divorce, and still today. He is very smart, professional and courteous. His legal--and financial--acumen are top-notch. His attention to detail, and his retention of details both small and large, are amazing. He helped me go from a place of emotional darkness to a state of financial comfort and contentment I feel today. He encouraged in me self-confidence and optimism. I unequivocally recommend Levi Morris.
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30 May, 2024 by Tashaylee l.
Thank you you beautiful soul. With sincerest gratitude. A lawyer who cares. May you rest peacefully. #BrentonButler
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21 Mar, 2024 by Tori bell
I was sad to look up such a great lawyer to find out he passed away, rip Mr mcguinness you left a legacy and one hell of an act you follow
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12 Feb, 2024 by Jimmy jump
The absolute worst better off representing myself i had to get rid of him in the middle of my case after money was spent so u know he was beyond bad do yourself a favor and LISTEN TO ME OR FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF!
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2.3
12 Reviews
3.2
64 Reviews
25 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Please do not waste your time or money. Absolutely useless. I was referred to him by another lawyer. I guess I should give a negative review to him as well for referring me. Did absolutely nothing he said he would do. Nothing
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13 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Myself and fiancé hired him because his children’s biological mother is a drug addict and alcoholic who abuses her two young girls. Should be open and shut right? No it’s not. We made the huge mistake of paying Kelly Hampton 3500 deposit to do absolutely nothing. He has faked court dates, he has lead us on over 2 years now while these poor girls suffer and are starved/beaten when they’re at their bio moms. We can’t afford another attourney right now so this has literally ruined our life and theirs. Run away from this guy he is a complete fake
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12 Feb, 2024 by Jimmy jump
The absolute worst better off representing myself i had to get rid of him in the middle of my case after money was spent so u know he was beyond bad do yourself a favor and LISTEN TO ME OR FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF!
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28 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Felt like she was rushing to be finished talking with me, nor was she interested in listening to me, also came off kind of rude.
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02 Oct, 2015 by Betty
My dad died without a will or anything planned for his house. For years, my brother and I paid the mortgage and taxes without realizing we had to open a probate case to get our names on the house. Thankfully, we found Amanda and she was able to get our names on the house.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Mrs. Meyer was my attorney in a custody battle between me and my ex. In a case that I had a slim to none chance of winning, she got me so much more than anyone else thought that I would get in court. I would highly recommend this attorney to anyone that is in need of legal assistance.
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28 May, 2018 by Carlos
I hired this attorney to clean up a mess previous attorneys had created in my case. He was very efficient and knowledgeable. And he walked me through the whole process. Very good lawyer!
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04 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr.Elias for my divorce case which took longer that it should, due to inconsistent communication. As the divorce case was going to an end, I hired him for my immigration case. I paid the initial downpayment and didn't hear anything after a month (which requires me to pay him again for monthly services). I felt like he is prolonging the process for the lawyer's fee. I've send multiple email and text messages -still no response for a month. After confronting him about how I feel towards the situation I cancelled his services and asked for a refund since he didn't do anything for my immigration case (which is very time constraint case). He kept the money, didn't communicate well and didn't fully finish my prior case. Until now, i don't have my papers which he promised to send me. I could've hired a better lawyer who I atleast won't feel degraded and got taken advantage of.
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02 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
This was the worst experience I had with an attorney. She came to court unprepared. She never rebuttal any information from my ex-spouse attorney, I waited almost 3 weeks to get my final order from the judge and when received was mostly in my ex favor. Don't waste your money
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06 Oct, 2021 by Mrs. 8732
05 Aug, 2019 by Pooh “ms.herndon” mee
20 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Attorney Kevin is Knowledgeable and Caring. He let me know what I needed to help plead my case. I cooperated with him in a timely manner so he can help me as much as he can. He returned my calls and messages in a timely manner which shows me just how much he cares. I will hire him again and again if I need to.
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01 Aug, 2019 by Chuck flantroy
I am very satisfied with my lawyer, Kevin Cobbin. He is very well informed, connected and smart. Most of all - he cares! I first heard about him 10 years ago through another prominent Attorney here in town. At the time, I wanted legal representation from someone that I could relate to and they had to be a FIGHTER. I will attest Mr. Cobbin is both.
Over the years, I've gotten to know lots of Attorneys in town and no one else, in my opinion, has the level commitment and dedication to his clients that Kevin has. Yes, I would strongly recommend to anyone in need of solid legal advice or counsel.
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29 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired him for my husband. My husband had to tell him what to ask for. He barely return calls it seems like having a public defender. He only calls you a day or two before court you go in blind sided. I don't see the way he do people he can tolerate to look at his self in the mirror and it doesn't bother him. I don't recommend him he only cares about his freedom.
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05 Jul, 2023 by Mike
I've used Stefani multiple times. She communicates! She took great care of me. I've heard when both parties don't like the results of mediation, that is was a good day. My ex definitly hates the results more than I do and I'm the one paying permanent alimony. If I didn't have Stefani in my corner, I believe I would be paiying a whole lot more! Thank you Stefani.
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13 Jul, 2018 by Anonymous
Stephanie is personable and appears concerned. Unfortunately she was not as responsive to the client's concerns as she could have been. She appeared to be easily intimidated by the opposing counsel and it took her a while to actually be convinced that what her client was telling her was true. Not only was she less responsive but she was also VERY, VERY expensive for the little work that she did for the client. More than the cost, we weren't getting anywhere with her as the client's attorney. Our next lawyer, a replacement working for another firm saved the day. He was more strategic, more energetic, very honest, responsive, and far less expensive. We were glad to part company with Ms. Nolan but really wish her well.
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11 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a problem with a car dealership and she not only solved the issue in our favor, she was able to settle for enough money to help us purchase a new car.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
A lot of talk about what she would do and how she would represent me and barely any of it came to fruition. Exteremly poor representation, due to lack of timely responsiveness, and has limited knowledge or know how of family law. She provided me with inaccurate information which left me on the hook and without any rights. Save your money and hire a different attorney.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Carleen
I hired Jeanna March 2020, the biggest waste of my money! Not only did she wait until the very last minute to file, respond, request, to do anything, once we got in court she was NEVER prepared. She wouldn't speak up or be assertive, stand her ground or anything, she was very timid and acted like she was scared to speak out. My ex had NO representation and still won on every situation until my son was almost 18 years old and he spoke to the judge himself. And when it come to the child support situation, I got totally Screwed because of her and her lack of....well, everything! She's a total incompetent attorney and is not worth the paper the money is printed on. Over 3 years of failure!
Don't waste your time and definitely don't waste your money!
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08 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Jeanna Field Law, LLC
3.7
(3)
5+ years in business
Closed
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REVIEWS
Google review summary
5
4
3
2
1
3.7
(3)
"She has subject matter expertise in family law, trusts and estates."
"Basically forgot i and my child custody case existed."
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Brittany Smith
1 review
just now
NEW
If i could give a negative number i would. Talks a good talk but when it comes down to filing anything she doesnt, if the other party lawyers up she retreats and wants you to do whatever they request, when you ask for her to file for court … More
Josh Whitaker
8 reviews·3 photos
a year ago
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I am a new client of Jeanna's and I know we have not been to court yet but her communication is on point and she stood out of the crowd with looking at you as a person versus another pay check. She really acts like she wants to help and … More
Ares Frazier
3 reviews
6 months ago
Critical: Responsiveness
Basically forgot i and my child custody case existed. No refund, no emails back, no calls or texts back. Very disappointing and sad. Havnt got to see my son for 2 years now and i needed help. Unfortunately did not pick a very committed lawyer as i thought she was.
1
Charles R. Gallagher III
Local Guide·132 reviews
3 years ago
Jeanna Field is the founder and principal of Jeanna Field Law, LLC based in Jacksonville. She has subject matter expertise in family law, trusts and estates. She has been a member of The Florida Bar in good standing since 2014 and is … More
1
Brittany Smith
1 review
just now
NEW
If i could give a negative number i would. Talks a good talk but when it comes down to filing anything she doesnt, if the other party lawyers up she retreats and wants you to do whatever they request, when you ask for her to file for court she down right ignores you. Also lies to the court when She withdraws told us it was for medical reasons then told the court because we wouldnt agree with her advice! Also freezes up if the judge ask her any questions like a deer in the headlights.
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08 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Stacie came highly recommended so we hired her before even meeting her. We engaged in a phone consultation and paid the retainer and when nothing had happened a month later, another phone call was made to the office. She was completely unaware of anything that was happening, any and all motions that were made, even after all facts were given in the consult. She was hired to do one thing but I feel she knew it was far fetched or wouldn't happen in my favor but kept asking for more money to get it done (when nothing had been done with the first retainer).
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19 Apr, 2024 by Michelle
Shea represented me in a custody case in 2022. She is by far the most incompetent and overpriced attorney I have ever had. I am still paying for her mistakes to this day. She put together a horribly worded Parenting Plan (that to this day I am still working on getting all her mistakes fixed), she wouldn’t advocate for me in the courtroom. I was told by her if I wanted something that I could ask the judge myself for it. She incorrectly filled out my financial affidavit and lost me thousands in child support. She charged me for voicemails she left me, knowing that I worked night shift in the hospital, and even after I had told her to only call me at certain times. There were hundreds of dollars in charges for voicemails she left during times she knew I was unavailable. I wish I could go back in time and never have hired her to represent me, the reality is I would have been better off representing myself. Please do yourself a favor, and do not hire her for something as important as your child’s future.
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27 May, 2021 by Anonymous
This attorney will take your money and run. I did not hear from her for 2.5 months, then she called in the middle of my work day, 2 hours before court, to pressure me into taking a plea. She didn’t extend information to me that would have influenced my decision until right before I had to choose between going to trial or taking a plea. At that time she also informed me that I would have to secure other representation because quote “I know your financial situation”. This attorney did not fight for me, I would not recommend her. She is out for your money and once she has it, her work is done.
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22 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
He doesn't keep you informed. I couldn't afford to get rid of him for two years and my case lagged on and on. In those two years, he filed one motion... ONE! At the hearing, he objected to nothing, shook like a leaf, and stuttered like a scene out of My Cousin Vinny! This guy is not just lazy, he is incompetent.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired R. Rall and she was nice until I signed Retainer. Then the case never have been resolved. She blamed the system and scheduling conflicts. This was just a child custody case which should have been easy. No action at all, no communication.
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23 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
Mark Miller was sloppy in his work and irresponsible. On several occasions he did not sufficiently research information or follow up on questionable information. He relied too heavily on an internal informant and did not consider or pursue potential conflicting information. While I believe he means well, he is not reliable if you need professional, thorough or responsible legal work.
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29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous
This lawyer was not well informed and would make guesses about what he thought to be the law (differences according to county or distance between parties involved in litigation). Michael Edwards can be very disrespectful. His secretary on the other hand is very polite.
Michael Edwards said he has no feelings with regard to his clients involved in family law litigation, and it shows. He is not motivated, loses documents, and takes very little action.
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FAQs
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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:
-
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.
