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09 Aug, 2021 by Joanie
My husband and I can finally relax after almost a decade. Terry and Karen never stopped working to help us. We will be forever grateful for making our family 100%. We have never seen anyone with as much fight and will for a child as we have.
From our children- "we cannot ever repay you for helping our parents. They spent more time on this than work, thank you for listening. Attorneys don't usually hear what kids have to say. We are finally under one roof" - Sincerly, All 6 O'Dell kids!
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15 May, 2019 by Robert
Terry advised both my wife and myself on the advantages of a
trust for our estate.
Since he is not licensed in Florida, we could not use his services.
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15 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I have used Terry as my lawyer several times over the past 20 years. Everything from divorce, speeding ticket, car accident, to most recently estate planning. I have always found him to be very fair, honest, kind, genuine, and knowledgeable. I have referred my friends and family to him and all of them have been very comfortable with him and his abilities and even the outcome of their case.
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24 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
He helped me get custody of my children and got attorney fees paid for my the other side.
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04 Sep, 2015 by Mykael
Bart is a great lawyer and a caring person. He helped my husband and I very much with our immigration case.
He takes the time to discuss all concerns with you and make sure you understand. In addition to being very professional and knowledgeable, Bart is a very kindhearted person who genuinely cares about his clients.
I would highly recommend him!
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28 Sep, 2024 by Andrew
Hired Hunter after we spoke as he had portrayed a caring and invested attorney who was appalled by the actions of my ex. He was hired to domesticate my order and file contempt for the numerous violations of the order.
He domesticated the order then that was it. He never filed any contempt he allowed the violations to go on without addressing them. He chose to handle the case the way he wanted and not how I had advised him. He did what he wanted and then complained there was a communication failure.
He tried to take credit for setting up a mediation that he had absolutely no part in setting up nor did he do anything of value in that mediation. He then had me sign the order even though I told him there were multiple errors in it. He said it would get fixed afterwards which it never did. He is absolutely incompetent in the area he claims to have experience in
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14 Jul, 2024 by Jessica
06 Jun, 2024 by Melissa steppe
14 Jul, 2024 by Jessica
06 Jun, 2024 by Melissa steppe
20 May, 2024 by Zarron lawless
Mr. Briggs has been amazing and such a relief through this process. He’s made sure I was comfortable and everything went smooth. I would highly recommend reaching out for any issues you may have now or in the future!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Chris freeman
12 Aug, 2024 by Jordan riley
I wanna say a big thank you to Andrew, Jim, and Megan. They were a huge help to my accident and got me the help and compensation I needed. Forever thankful for this firm!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Zayne parkey
I recently had the Honor of working with Mr. Franklin Buchanan. He was diligent, hard-working, and communicated everything clearly. If I ever need something again, Franklin will be my guy!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Chris freeman
12 Aug, 2024 by Jordan riley
I wanna say a big thank you to Andrew, Jim, and Megan. They were a huge help to my accident and got me the help and compensation I needed. Forever thankful for this firm!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Zayne parkey
I recently had the Honor of working with Mr. Franklin Buchanan. He was diligent, hard-working, and communicated everything clearly. If I ever need something again, Franklin will be my guy!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Chris freeman
12 Aug, 2024 by Jordan riley
I wanna say a big thank you to Andrew, Jim, and Megan. They were a huge help to my accident and got me the help and compensation I needed. Forever thankful for this firm!
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12 Aug, 2024 by Zayne parkey
I recently had the Honor of working with Mr. Franklin Buchanan. He was diligent, hard-working, and communicated everything clearly. If I ever need something again, Franklin will be my guy!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Stephani wilkins
10/10 would recommend! From day one she had my back. She was determined to right the wrong that had been done to me!! She was diligent, caring, and is not afraid of prosecutors! She backs up everything she says she will do. She became like family and was very invested. Her staff was empathetic and helpful as well. I'm so thankful for choosing her and will continue to recommend her again and again. Myself and my family is so very thankful for her!
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24 Mar, 2024 by Karen valentine
Great attorneys
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06 Nov, 2023 by Hugh edmondson
Attempted to work with them and discovered some pretty shady behavior in the office, so in the end, chose not to do so. I suppose it was a blessing.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Stephani wilkins
10/10 would recommend! From day one she had my back. She was determined to right the wrong that had been done to me!! She was diligent, caring, and is not afraid of prosecutors! She backs up everything she says she will do. She became like family and was very invested. Her staff was empathetic and helpful as well. I'm so thankful for choosing her and will continue to recommend her again and again. Myself and my family is so very thankful for her!
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24 Mar, 2024 by Karen valentine
Great attorneys
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06 Nov, 2023 by Hugh edmondson
Attempted to work with them and discovered some pretty shady behavior in the office, so in the end, chose not to do so. I suppose it was a blessing.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Christina
I can't recall the last time I dealt with a business or individual that was as outstanding as Bruce Secrist and his Paralegal, Avin. My parents had passed away without ever making any estate/beneficiary plans. I had no idea the size of the "estate", if there was any money or assets to pay debts, my brother and I knew nothing. I called two attorney's offices and left messages with the details, they never called me back. I called Bruce Secrist's office and he not only called me back within an hour, he gave me excellent advice. It was 2020, Covid, and I was living in Florida. We opened an estate and Bruce handled it for us right to the end. We had to deal with the IRS and 5 years of unfiled taxes, missing money Bruce recaptured for us and three vehicles that needed titles and Bruce went to the DMV and stood in line and handled everything. He was a GOD SEND. TIP: Protect your assets and your family and have a plan with an attorney that knows what to do to protect you. If you need someone SHARP, active and engaged - Bruce Secrist is the attorney. He and Avin are an amazing team of professionals. They communicate, follow up, and know what you're talking about when you call. The estate wasn't worth hardly anything and they treated us like it was their only case. If you're in SouthWest Missouri and need an Estate Attorney, Bruce Secrist should be your first call!
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11 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I feel like there are plenty other attorneys in Joplin that do a better job than Bruce Secrist. He did an adequate job on my divorce/custody...but was I overwhelmingly pleased? No. He just doesn't really seem to care about you as a client or even a person. I found him devoid of all personality altogether. Our second time retaining him was an utter disaster. He took our money and did very little to resolve our case. We ended up hiring someone else.
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23 Mar, 2017 by Jordan
I used Bruce in 97'-2014. He was great and helped me with my child custody issues. He also helped me with many other things. I also referred him to friends that he also helped out tremdously. He's fair and straight to the point no hidden fees like most.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Justin
Hello
I have two children which are teens at this time. I have been in their lives everyday since they been born. 2017 went thru divorce, I am the Constodial Parent. Since Mr Hawkins has been representing my ex wife since 2021 for financial gain purposes I haven't seen or heard from my children a bit. Due to Mr Hawkins having pull thru the Jasper County Courts System and With the G.A.L that is represented on my case. I have tried everything to have contact with my kids. Mr Hawkins is even going against Judges Order and not sending them to their home to see their Father. MR HAWKINS IS NEVER IN THE BEST INTEREST FOR THE CHILDREN IN ANY CASE. HE HAS BEEN TURNED INTO THE CHEIF OF DISPLINARY COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE. DO NOT HIRE HIM TO REPRESENT YOUR FAMILY
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06 Jul, 2024 by Happy mother of 2
I hired Todd about 7 months ago. He is still going strong for me and doing his best to help me with my family matter. He has always been honest and upfront with me. To this day we still have more court dates to battle and he is keeping me strong. " you have to conquer the small battles before u can win the war" this quote I truly believe. I have nothing negative to say about Todd or the office staff, they all know my struggle and heartache and have and will be there for me til the end. Thank you so much Todd and staff for everything ur doing for me and my little ones.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Hali
Todd has been working with me for almost 2 years now over a child custody case. I am always sending in information and when pre- trial comes or trial comes he always is up to date. I make phone calls to his office a lot and if he’s not available they always point me in the right direction! Highly recommend!!
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29 Oct, 2018 by Jason
I hired Mr. Wilson when my Ex wife tried to keep my children from me. He took my case and did an outstanding job with the litigation and was very knowledgeable of the law. I would recommend him to anyone needing a professional experienced attorney.
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14 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Hired Dean for a divorce in April. Ive had nothing but problems getting them to contact me or provide requested documents to protect me in my medical care. Im disabled and was abandon by my wife who took everything including my bed and couch. For over a month Ive called and left voicemails, sent emails that all go unanswered. After researching laws and ethics for attorneys Ive found him guilty of several violations. Even after informing his office in a voicemail I would file complaints with the state Ive still not recieved a call. So Im not very impressed with this man and his staff. I only pray the complaints will get him to represent me PROPERLY and his record reflect the complaints.
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05 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
I had this attorney for two years and seriously, I honestly believe she spent that time working against me! She literally did nothing to help me, the only thing she ever did was stick her hand out for more money. Examples would include, when I asked if I did in fact have an active warrant my response was “I haven’t seen one” so I asked if she had looked into it and her response was “no”. Then she went ahead and looked it up while I was on the phone with her, in about 3 minuets said “oh, yes you do”. Attorney Davis was going to let me believe I didn’t have a warrant why? Because I didn’t ask the exact right question? Or how she failed in two years to ever give me or inform me of the existence of a income and expense statement to adjust my child support (which my new attorney gave me within 48 hours of being hired and took me 40 min to fill out). Attorney Davis kept informing me that nothing could be done about child support until we were in front of a Judge and that had to be one of the last issues addressed “because there’s an order in which these things have to happen”. Attorney Davis literally sat across a desk from me, looked me square in the eyes and on multiple occasions bold face lied to me. Best of all I have to say is when my ex wife filed a motion with her attorney and I had no idea about this motion until 5 weeks after it was filed and from a different attorneys office who I was getting a consultation from. That’s right an office I was consulting with is how I found out about this motion that was filed 5 weeks earlier, not from Attorney Davis! Thank god I had that consultation, otherwise I probably still wouldn’t know I missed a major court date. However Attorney Davis had no problem billing me $300 for reviewing and typing up a letter to me (that I never received) about this very important, case defining motion and court date. A simple phone call was too difficult? I highly doubt she ever wrote any letter but that’s just my opinion, the rest of this review are facts! If you want to be talked down to, belittled and not be able to get a word in edgewise please hire Attorney Davis. The last phone conference we had I hung p on her because she flat out was talking over me, interrupting me and would not let me get a sentence in and I just said, well I’m not paying $250 an hour to listen to her ignor and disrespect me. And the receptionist there, well that’s for another review! Incredibly rude people and a terrible office as a whole, they don’t even use email, only fax! So after I went and bought a fax machine and had a land line hooked up in my house guess how many faxes I received, one! They don’t have voice mails, all messages go through the receptionist and that’s pretty much where they stop. And I saved the best for last, when I asked for them to fax me all communications between Attorney Davis and my ex wife’s Attorney for my records I was told that all communications and agreements between them had been verbal and there were no records to send. Verbal! Do yourself a favor and save thousands of dollars by hiring someone who hates you to represent you at least by accident they’ll probably do a better job than Attorney Davis has done for me.
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14 Mar, 2017 by John
I believe she is the best in what she does. I just wish I could retain her before my court date.
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15 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
This lawyer has no detail, she doesn't fight for you. She doesn't make time for you, nor fill you in on what is going on. Had a hearing on my case on a Tuesday. I called on Wednesday to find out what happened she wont return my calls. I have provided everything she has asked for promptly, yet she never seems to be able to get back with me. I call to set up a meeting to talk out the "game plan." She doesn't have a 15min opening for 3 weeks? I am sure if I was a new client needing to get her services and provide her with a retainer she would find the time to meet with me.
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02 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired MR. Briggs for a criminal case which was a huge mistake since it wasn't his best part.
here is how it went.
1- explained the case.
2- Asked for the fees and was hired.
3- he talked highly of how he's going to win the case and what his plan is and I went home with the idea " he's the best in town'
4- got to court case gets pushed and pushed and pushed.
5- gave him every shred of evidence to have the case dismissed and cleared. but no I was wrong.
Communications is really bad. you won't hear him him Period.
shows up late for court and you have no idea what's been said and done.
Now MR. Briggs offers you to go ahead and take a plea and that's how it will go.
you ask him what have he done so far guess what ? No Answer
what's next Court about ? no information
what going to happen ? no response
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20 May, 2016 by Anonymous
In my experience with this attorney and in my opinion, Mr. Briggs's legal advice was horrible for me and I thought his representation in court was even worse. I hired him for a divorce case and he threw me under the bus, I felt, and made a pathetic attempt at negotiating in my best interests. He never fully went over everything with me and he rarely communicated with me. He failed at forwarding documentation to me that was vital for the case. It felt like he was just wanting to get everything over with, regardless of what happened with me, so he could take his money and run. I would not recommend him for anyone.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
