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04 Dec, 2024 by Jeff misevich
Courtney was one of 3 attorney’s I considered for my divorce as petitioner. I’m 100% certain that she not only saved me tremendously on attorney fees but she represented me better than any attorney could have. She will guide you towards spending money effectively towards motions which add value and steer you clear from others with less likely favorable outcomes. I feel she has a great gauge on how things will unfold and pretty much predicted the outcome of my case. I highly recommend her services as a divorce attorney for anyone who wants fair representation.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Marie fellers
If you’re looking for an attorney that is professional, has a thorough knowledge of the law and will handle your case with determination, Courtney is your go to! Don’t think twice about hiring her to represent you. She will not disappoint. The staff in the office is also great! Wendy is always happy to help and is a joy to talk to!
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16 Nov, 2024 by David keir
Divorce and the process of getting a divorce, is a nightmare. Wendy and Courtney take that nightmare and eliminate the fear and stress. You feel valued and heard during the process. They may not look it but they are bulls and not baby bulls but killer bulls. They want justice and satisfaction from each of their clients and imho they won't stop til they get it. They were wonderful partners in my divorce. I was always able to reach them and my divorce was less stressful because of this team. Thank you to you, and your crew, Wendy and Courtney.
David.
Read more
23 Dec, 2024 by Jahiro jimenez
I am a cdl holder and I got a speeding ticket and was worried for a bit. I spoke to the lawyer and he assured me he would do his best to resolve this. Sure enough they got it DISMISSED. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanx alot🙏. I'll take this as my christmas present 🎁
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Nabaa shami
I had a great experience with Eric as my traffic lawyer and highly recommend his services. He was professional, efficient, and incredibly skilled. Thanks to his expertise, my case was dismissed! I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
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30 Jul, 2019 by Smokin goodness bbq
14 Jan, 2013 by Greg
I was in a car accident and was really injured. I took my case to Fox Law Firm & she fought with the insurance companies to get me paid. It took over a year but that was because Attorney would not back down. In the end was well worth the wait as I received a for more that $50k. thank you thank you thank Fox law firm, I hope I don't get into another accident BUT if I do, I'm coming to you!
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23 Mar, 2012 by Andy
She treated me like a person. I had another attorney and had to let him go and Ms. Fox took the care and got me divorce and also got everything I asked for in the divorce in far less time, while showing me the compassion I needed during my process. Thank you sooo much!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Jahiro jimenez
I am a cdl holder and I got a speeding ticket and was worried for a bit. I spoke to the lawyer and he assured me he would do his best to resolve this. Sure enough they got it DISMISSED. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanx alot🙏. I'll take this as my christmas present 🎁
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Nabaa shami
I had a great experience with Eric as my traffic lawyer and highly recommend his services. He was professional, efficient, and incredibly skilled. Thanks to his expertise, my case was dismissed! I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Layla garcia
Un abogado, con profesionalismo, seriedad, bilingüe, su español es claro y Perfecto me dio la confianza total para darle mi caso
Tuve los resultados que yo esperaba, lo recomiendo ampliamente
Gracias…
abogado Juan Martinez
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27 Nov, 2024 by Levar brooks
This is the best attorney team ever. They make you a priority and genuine care about you and don’t just look at you as just a client and dollar sign. They were very detailed, kept me updated for court, was also honest with me about everything instead of just telling me what I want to here. They are the best and I definitely refer them for anybody needing services.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Roberto gonzalesgutierrez
20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
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19 Dec, 2024 by John gleason
Definitely knows his stuff and is great at what he does
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09 Dec, 2024 by Shirley mcdaniel
During a difficult period, Hammel Law Offices P.C. offered outstanding legal assistance. A positive result was guaranteed by their professionalism, commitment, and experience. Throughout the process, the crew shown sincere concern and effective communication. I heartily endorse their services for exceptional representation!
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15 Nov, 2024 by Dalia leon
Can't thank Ted Hammel and his office staff enough for helping out my son on his case. I appreciate all the help and would definitely recommend for any criminal defense!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Denis graciov
If you need to take care of your case in Will county court , defenitely hire this attorney. He knows how to get his job done. Thanks Neil !!! Great Job !!!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
18 Dec, 2024 by Erik trigueros
I could not be happier with my results. I was impressed by their commitment to going the extra mile. I highly recommend no matter the situation your in you will need their professionalism and expertise on your side.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
13 Dec, 2024 by John fotopoulos
Gino is an excellent lawyer. I have handled many cases with Gino and he is always professional and knowledgeable.
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12 Dec, 2024 by D k
If you’re looking for an outstanding traffic lawyer, Eric Cobb is the one to call! From the moment I reached out to him, I was impressed by his professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for his clients. He took the time to understand my situation thoroughly, explained the legal process in simple terms, and provided a clear plan of action. His calm demeanor and confidence immediately put me at ease during what was a very stressful time.
Eric’s attention to detail and strategic approach were remarkable. He left no stone unturned, ensuring every aspect of my case was addressed. What stood out the most was his dedication—he was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. His ability to negotiate and navigate the legal system resulted in a highly favorable outcome that I didn’t think was possible.
Beyond his legal expertise, Eric is personable, approachable, and truly cares about achieving the best results for his clients. He made a difficult situation much more manageable, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I highly recommend Eric Cobb to anyone needing a knowledgeable and trustworthy traffic lawyer. He’s simply the best!
Thank you
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Jeff misevich
Courtney was one of 3 attorney’s I considered for my divorce as petitioner. I’m 100% certain that she not only saved me tremendously on attorney fees but she represented me better than any attorney could have. She will guide you towards spending money effectively towards motions which add value and steer you clear from others with less likely favorable outcomes. I feel she has a great gauge on how things will unfold and pretty much predicted the outcome of my case. I highly recommend her services as a divorce attorney for anyone who wants fair representation.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Marie fellers
If you’re looking for an attorney that is professional, has a thorough knowledge of the law and will handle your case with determination, Courtney is your go to! Don’t think twice about hiring her to represent you. She will not disappoint. The staff in the office is also great! Wendy is always happy to help and is a joy to talk to!
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by David keir
Divorce and the process of getting a divorce, is a nightmare. Wendy and Courtney take that nightmare and eliminate the fear and stress. You feel valued and heard during the process. They may not look it but they are bulls and not baby bulls but killer bulls. They want justice and satisfaction from each of their clients and imho they won't stop til they get it. They were wonderful partners in my divorce. I was always able to reach them and my divorce was less stressful because of this team. Thank you to you, and your crew, Wendy and Courtney.
David.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Jeff misevich
Courtney was one of 3 attorney’s I considered for my divorce as petitioner. I’m 100% certain that she not only saved me tremendously on attorney fees but she represented me better than any attorney could have. She will guide you towards spending money effectively towards motions which add value and steer you clear from others with less likely favorable outcomes. I feel she has a great gauge on how things will unfold and pretty much predicted the outcome of my case. I highly recommend her services as a divorce attorney for anyone who wants fair representation.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Marie fellers
If you’re looking for an attorney that is professional, has a thorough knowledge of the law and will handle your case with determination, Courtney is your go to! Don’t think twice about hiring her to represent you. She will not disappoint. The staff in the office is also great! Wendy is always happy to help and is a joy to talk to!
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by David keir
Divorce and the process of getting a divorce, is a nightmare. Wendy and Courtney take that nightmare and eliminate the fear and stress. You feel valued and heard during the process. They may not look it but they are bulls and not baby bulls but killer bulls. They want justice and satisfaction from each of their clients and imho they won't stop til they get it. They were wonderful partners in my divorce. I was always able to reach them and my divorce was less stressful because of this team. Thank you to you, and your crew, Wendy and Courtney.
David.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Jeff misevich
Courtney was one of 3 attorney’s I considered for my divorce as petitioner. I’m 100% certain that she not only saved me tremendously on attorney fees but she represented me better than any attorney could have. She will guide you towards spending money effectively towards motions which add value and steer you clear from others with less likely favorable outcomes. I feel she has a great gauge on how things will unfold and pretty much predicted the outcome of my case. I highly recommend her services as a divorce attorney for anyone who wants fair representation.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Marie fellers
If you’re looking for an attorney that is professional, has a thorough knowledge of the law and will handle your case with determination, Courtney is your go to! Don’t think twice about hiring her to represent you. She will not disappoint. The staff in the office is also great! Wendy is always happy to help and is a joy to talk to!
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by David keir
Divorce and the process of getting a divorce, is a nightmare. Wendy and Courtney take that nightmare and eliminate the fear and stress. You feel valued and heard during the process. They may not look it but they are bulls and not baby bulls but killer bulls. They want justice and satisfaction from each of their clients and imho they won't stop til they get it. They were wonderful partners in my divorce. I was always able to reach them and my divorce was less stressful because of this team. Thank you to you, and your crew, Wendy and Courtney.
David.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Jeff misevich
Courtney was one of 3 attorney’s I considered for my divorce as petitioner. I’m 100% certain that she not only saved me tremendously on attorney fees but she represented me better than any attorney could have. She will guide you towards spending money effectively towards motions which add value and steer you clear from others with less likely favorable outcomes. I feel she has a great gauge on how things will unfold and pretty much predicted the outcome of my case. I highly recommend her services as a divorce attorney for anyone who wants fair representation.
Read more
04 Dec, 2024 by Marie fellers
If you’re looking for an attorney that is professional, has a thorough knowledge of the law and will handle your case with determination, Courtney is your go to! Don’t think twice about hiring her to represent you. She will not disappoint. The staff in the office is also great! Wendy is always happy to help and is a joy to talk to!
Read more
16 Nov, 2024 by David keir
Divorce and the process of getting a divorce, is a nightmare. Wendy and Courtney take that nightmare and eliminate the fear and stress. You feel valued and heard during the process. They may not look it but they are bulls and not baby bulls but killer bulls. They want justice and satisfaction from each of their clients and imho they won't stop til they get it. They were wonderful partners in my divorce. I was always able to reach them and my divorce was less stressful because of this team. Thank you to you, and your crew, Wendy and Courtney.
David.
Read more
20 Dec, 2024 by Ivana pesic
13 Dec, 2024 by John fotopoulos
Gino is an excellent lawyer. I have handled many cases with Gino and he is always professional and knowledgeable.
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12 Dec, 2024 by D k
If you’re looking for an outstanding traffic lawyer, Eric Cobb is the one to call! From the moment I reached out to him, I was impressed by his professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for his clients. He took the time to understand my situation thoroughly, explained the legal process in simple terms, and provided a clear plan of action. His calm demeanor and confidence immediately put me at ease during what was a very stressful time.
Eric’s attention to detail and strategic approach were remarkable. He left no stone unturned, ensuring every aspect of my case was addressed. What stood out the most was his dedication—he was always available to answer my questions and kept me informed every step of the way. His ability to negotiate and navigate the legal system resulted in a highly favorable outcome that I didn’t think was possible.
Beyond his legal expertise, Eric is personable, approachable, and truly cares about achieving the best results for his clients. He made a difficult situation much more manageable, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I highly recommend Eric Cobb to anyone needing a knowledgeable and trustworthy traffic lawyer. He’s simply the best!
Thank you
Read more
05 Mar, 2024 by Greg
I am very happy with the representation that Chantal provided! She is very knowledgeable of the law and was very responsive to all my questions and concerns. Chantal explained the legalities in an easy-to-understand manner, which really helped put me at ease. I would not hesitate to work with Chantal again!
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03 Dec, 2023 by Meagan
Chantel is great! She understands her clients needs, and she goes out of her way to help. She is very knowledgeable, and she explains everything thoroughly so you know exactly what’s going on in your case. I went through 2 other lawyers before finding her, and I really wish I had found her from the beginning!
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01 Nov, 2022 by Heather
I highly recommend using Chantal Host for your divorce needs. She is knowledgeable, honest, and reliable. She helped guide me successfully through this difficult process and I am grateful. You won’t be disappointed.
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15 Dec, 2024 by Katie
Jordan Young is an amazing attorney, and I’m incredibly grateful for her support. She was professional, responsive, and made the entire divorce process much easier to navigate. Jordan took the time to understand my concerns and priorities, and I always felt like my best interests were being put first. I highly recommend her to anyone facing a divorce—she made a difficult situation much more manageable.
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14 May, 2024 by Federica
she has been working very hard on my case for years, she very determined and also very kid, I highly recommend her.
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09 May, 2024 by Mike
My divorce was harrowing, and Jordan Young kept me afloat.
I was part of a very nasty divorce, and really thought I was going to lose time with my daughters, but Jordan stepped up and helped me not only survive, but eventually win more time with the kids.
She was able to understand the emotional complexities of divorce, but also didn't mince words about what would or wouldn't hold water in court. It was honestly a fantastic balance of accurate legal consultation and emotional support, which as I understand it with many attorneys is a rare combination.
She also didn't stand for any of the nonsense my ex tried to pull, and was the first to speak up when something was trending in an unreasonable direction.
I had a less-than-useless attorney prior, and got metaphorically disemboweled by the enormous bills, especially since no progress was made. I hired Jordan, and because her billing is always fair and justified, I was able to financially weather the storm as well. I NEVER got a bill that didn't make sense.
You truly couldn't ask for a more capable or helpful attorney to see you through the often ugly divorce process.
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20 Sep, 2017 by Donna
Very affordable. Very precise and on time. Took care of everything for our new home purchase. Thank you Vince!
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20 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
We sold our home "by owner" - with no realtor involved. Vince took care of all the details, and didn't charge us any more than if we had used a realtor. Everything went without a hitch, and we didn't even need to be at the closing.
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29 May, 2017 by John
Mr. Portlock was a very efficient, personable and knowledgeable asset to our recent real estate purchase/sale. Vince was on time with paperwork, easy to reach and made the transactions seamless. I would recommend Mr. Portlock in an instant to anybody looking for a lawyer.
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25 Mar, 2023 by Margaret
My case was handled compassionately and professionally. I could rely on Laura to listen to my thoughts and concerns and to provide straight forward answers to my questions. My case was settled to my satisfaction and I would endorse her services to others.
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21 Apr, 2022 by Mary
Laura was knowledgeable, available, responsive, and professional in her handling of my case. I count myself lucky to have had Laura’s services. She expedited the settling of matters while ensuring that all factors were considered fully and competently.
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14 Apr, 2022 by Jean
Upon the initial consultation, Laura made me feel comfortable and her experience was evident by the way she answered my questions and had knowledge of all aspects of family law. I was given a step-by-step explanation of what would happen to obtain a dissolution of my marriage. When I had any questions or concerns, Laura always responded either that day or the next. I do not hesitate in giving Laura an excellent rating as she made this horrendous experience a little easier to endure with her patience and quick resolution. She was a lifesaver for me.
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28 Mar, 2014 by George b.
The best defense atourney around! Won 4 cases for me and i Highly, Highly recommend him. W hat a class act, with a little Columbo style to throw the prosecutionoff! Absolutely the BEST!
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28 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
I went through my divorce it went fast and easy, I got my son in my divorce. If your a dad get him, let him do what he does and keep your mouth shut about your case dont tell tell anyone not even you family or friends thats your best bet
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31 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
I was in a very unique situation and had my driver's license suspended for a whole year due to a misunderstanding where a police officer thought I had a fake ID. I was told by countless other lawyers in the area that deal with license suspensions that they have never heard of such a situation, that I had no case and that I would be wasting my money trying to fight the (in my opinion) wrongful suspension.
Todd took on my case with optimism and no judgement. He was very professional and a pleasure to work with. He helped me through the process of a formal hearing at the Secretary of State's office.
Best case scenario, we were hoping for my year long suspension for a fake ID to be changed to a 3 month suspension for underage drinking. I ended up getting my license back and not having to serve a 3 month suspension either. My expectations were absolutely exceeded and I highly recommend Todd as a legal representative.
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24 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I am an attorney who came to Todd after I was arrested for a DUI and speeding. Working with Todd was a pleasure. He was responsive and I never had to worry about when court was or what he needed from me. I was always informed. As an attorney, I knew my case was not going to be easy which is why I wanted to find the best lawyer I could.
Enter Todd Polito. Both he and his firm have an incredible reputation both statewide and in Will County. Long story short, my case was successfully dismissed. Additionally, Todd was extremely helpful with non-court related matters including working with the Secretary of State and potential employment issues regarding my arrest.
Put simply, you can't do any better than Todd Polito. His knowledge of the law and his relationships with prosecutors and judges is invaluable.
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19 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Hamilton is handling my divorce case, his office staff especially Natalia has made this difficult time so much easier for me. I am impressed with the level of compassion both Mr. Hamilton and all his staff have. It is the beginning of my case so although I have a limited amount of experience to base this review off of I will say in the last two months of me hiring Mr. Hamilton his staff has kept me up to date regarding my case & even fought on my behalf when I thought the court order mediators office was rude & unresponsive. I would recommend Mr. Hamilton, he has given me great advice & he is not "money hungry" when he thought something was worth fighting for he's let me know & when he thought I should back off of something of less importance to save money he again let me know. Mr Hamilton allowed me to make payments on my retainer fee and even went to court for me when I only gave him 2 days notice! I hope he keeps this attitude & his current staffing they are A+ I really am impressed. I called alot of lawyers went to a bunch of consultations but I am positive I've choosen the right team.
The only reason I gave 4 stars on trustworthy is because we havent gone very far on my case, just setting up visitation & child support at the moment & I dont want to give a false review but so far based on my experience I really do trust his judgment, he seems to actually care about me & my children. His staff even remembers their names & asks me how they are doing when they call! It's the little things really.
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21 Jun, 2022 by Jenine
I was in a very difficult situation with an ex husband making up lies about me & using the lies as a reason to change my parenting plan. Mr. Kolb was professional, calm, fair & I believe had my children's best interest at heart. I highly recommend him.
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11 Apr, 2023 by Rj
Mrs Rosenfeld is a "just" attorney in a very "unjust" system. I felt like my divorce was in such good hands after having overrated, expensive, Chicago lawyers.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Scott
Michelle is one of the best attorneys I have ever had. She successfully navigated me through a tremendously difficulty case. He knowledge of the law and her ability in the court room is excellent. She is very accessible and responsive. She manages her time really well in that she is able to get back to you in a reasonable period of time. I find that most attorneys are not able to do that. I would definitely hire Michele again, without a doubt.
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08 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Well, let’s start on me almost giving up on finding a lawyer.. I was going through a domestic violence situation after many attempts on seeking help.. I was given Michele’s #. She made my OOP easy to understand. She was very amazing and compassionate when we were there in court together dealing with this step by step. I was a nervous wreck and you not only got me what I needed but held my hand through it all. Her professionalism was over the top. I 1000% recommend her.
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3.7
3 Reviews
4.6
65 Reviews
21 Nov, 2024 by Amy l. byrne
Christina has been great to work with! She's explained every step and been available to us with questions. 100% recommend!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Chenice middleton
30 Sep, 2024 by Arielle johnson
Ms. Banyon has truly been a blessing in helping me with filing my chapter 7 bankruptcy. She’s very kind and patient. She made sure I understood the pros and cons. She went through every detail of my paperwork with me. She even provided me with the resources to complete my before and after filing courses. I appreciate everything she has done. Now I have a fresh start. I highly recommend her if anyone needs an amazing attorney. Thank you again!!
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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.
