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08 Jul, 2024 by Blue water67
We have had Bill Millard for years. We have been very pleased with the thoughtful, thorough way he handled our trust.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Todd pease
The team at DeMent & Marquardt helped with estate planning for my parents, my wife's parents, and now ours. They are always there to answer questions and have helped guide us through some difficult times. We are very thankful to have such a great and reliable resource in a city the size of Kalamazoo. Many of the successful people in our sphere of influence recommended this firm and now we understand why. We have seen and heard of others opt to go different routes with their planning only to run into way too much grief and headache. For us, so far so good after working through the loss of 3 out of our 4 parents. It has allowed us to focus on the important side of the grieving process and removes the unnecessary stress we see so many others face. What a blessing.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Helen goyings
18 Aug, 2024 by Harvinder benavides
If one does not have the financial means to procure legal representation at significant cost, it is advisable to advocate for oneself. Regrettably, I expended $15,000 in engaging both legal practitioners, only to find that they generated unwarranted issues subsequent to my retention. To my dismay, one of the practitioners had the temerity to assert that I would forfeit custody of my children. Despite these challenges, I retained custody. If I had not transferred to Sharp Associates, I would not have been represented by this attorney.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Sharon crotser-toy
I was very pleased to work with Your Path Family Law, though the circumstances were difficult. They were always compassionate and respectful towards both me and my ex. I very much recommend them.
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16 May, 2024 by Tee camara
Called and left a message and did not hear back at all.
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5.0
3 Reviews
3.9
10 Reviews
02 Jan, 2024 by Jake t
"If your child does not come with you for your parenting time, then you pick your child up, throw them over your shoulder, strap them in your car, and shut them in their room at your house." This was the advice Rex Brueggemann gave me when, in 2022, I engaged with him to represent me in the separation from my non-married partner of over 15 years.
Rex consistently gave me advice that was counter to my interests as a father/parent and as a business owner.
His tactic seems to rely on heavily pressuring his clients to "settle", much to the favor of the opposing party, while not acting on my requests that would balance the end results of the ruling order.
In the end, I had to terminate my engagement with Rex and hire another attorney to represent me. Hiring Rex was a waste of time and money, and it cost me significant leverage with gaining equal parenting time for my children. In the end, he wouldn't even refund the balance of my retainer, adding to the ridiculousness of this experience.
I only hope this review helps others save time and money and hardship.
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22 Feb, 2023 by Jody
Consummate professional, great communicator, creative problem solver, and a strong advocate. Would recommend Rex to any of my friends going through a divorce, and plan to work with him again for estate planning.
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05 Oct, 2022 by Devon
Hired Rex to assist in the facilitation of my divorce. Helped me save my company, fairly allocate the estate, and negotiate through marital assets. Rex was communicative, understanding, thorough, and successful.
He later helped successfully terminate un unnecessary PPO filed by previous spouse and followed through on his strategy to prove innocence. Rex had a difficult job ahead of him and I believe he did as much as he was able to.
Rex understands the system, the local agents at play, and will advise you with real time data and knowledge. I didn't always agree with Rex, but trusted him fully and chose to let him lead. We ended up with the most desirable outcome of a terribly undesirable situation.
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15 Jan, 2016 by Brandy
I am out of state and have had him as my attorney back in Michigan for Calhoun County. He is an awesome lawyer and went above and beyond to help settle my custody and child support case. Good prices and I would highly recrecommend Mr. Morris. I had many questions and concerns about this case because it needed to be heard in michigan and I now live in Texas. Mr Morris even went to the courthouse to call me and make sure my phone would accept the call from the court house.
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01 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
From the minute I contacted him to handle my divorce proceedings to the final step Brian has been on point on every step.
There were no surprises, the fees were very reasonable, I always felt like my best interest was his preoccupation.
every question I had was addressed to satisfaction. I could not have dreamt of a smoother process.
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01 Apr, 2015 by Sidy
I would recommend this great lawyer to anybody. He's very honest and performs his work in a timely manner. There are no hidden fees , and he's very efficient. His feed are fairly reasonable and he's very good at what he does. He can help you with all the issues you have . I will recommend whoever I know to this great lawyer.
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10 Jul, 2019 by Kim
I was very nervous going in and Joe and his staff were very helpful and helped me relax. Talked about what I wanted and he achieved that for me. He could have gotten more for me but he listened to me and did as I asked. Good personality and a fighter for me.
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17 Jun, 2019 by Jodi
I was referred to Joe and Jon Vander Horst from a friend. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the outstanding job the Vander Horst team provided. Their team was concise, professional and extremely knowledgeable. All phone messages were promptly returned and addressed. I also feel their fee structure was very fair and competitive. I would never hesitate to hire Joe Vander Horst and his team for future legal representation. I highly recommend the Vander Horst Law firm to anyone seeking the very best in legal representation.
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27 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I had the same problem as others mentioned in their reviews. Minor things were negotiated fine but the major issues, he refused to address or fight for me. I asked numerous times about specific issues and he was focused on settling without having to go to court. I said I was willing to and wanted to fight for them and he refused. He told me at my consultation that he would do what is best for me and would fight if needed. That was not the case and I felt like he didn’t want to be bothered by anything there was a disagreement over. I feel like he was more of a benefit to my ex-husband than he was to me and my kids. I hired him because of positive reviews as others have stated. Just a warning to consider all reviews before hiring him.
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03 Jan, 2023 by Donald iarussi mba mfa
He is a new yorker so you must remember that. His approach might not always be what you expected. He has a good heart
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06 Oct, 2021 by Belinda
We are thankful that Gary Apps has been such a big help to us and for us and continue looking forward to hearing from you, and we are praying that your success will continue to be successful. God bless you.
Cordially yours,
Belinda
ps, please send me your email address at
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07 May, 2018 by Ryan
Called on a Saturday after another Attorney had cancelled on me 30 minutes before our meeting. Gary picked up even though his office was closed and calmed my nerves. He provided great advice and gave great direction. I reconnected with him later that week and he helped me with my issue all the way to the end. Very personable, knowledgeable, honest and helpful.
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08 Aug, 2019 by Reynea
I hired Victor Blanche represent my daughter in a criminal proceedingI'm so glad that I hired him he went above and beyond the call of duty most people are just numbers in the court system but not with Victor he's compassionate understanding I am so grateful that we hired him thank God for him everyday if you want a good lawyer I'd recommend him 365 days of the year
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28 Mar, 2017 by Shawna
I was notified at 10 am by a cps investigator that I was to be in court at 1:30 for a removal hearing. I called Attorney Victor Bland whom I had no prior contact with he quickly returned my call, gave me a fair price worked with me on payment and the case went 1000x better than I anticipated. He is a very respectful, down to earth, wont bs you and extremely knowledgable attorney. I have the upmost respect for him and would recommend him to anyone.
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08 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Victor takes on too many clients to properly address your case. He is extremely unresponsive and terrible with keeping appointments and negligent about keeping you up to date with proceedings. Victor overcharges and double charges your time - he will spend long periods of time on the phone with other clients during your appointment and then bill you for it. He also charges a $50 postage charge for forwarded letters sent by the court and has several other bogus charges. Victor Bland is an unethical attorney primarily interested in taking your money.
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16 Mar, 2017 by Patricia
Hired this gentleman for a simple legal matter. Small unclean office about the size of a large bathroom. Never advised as to procedures necessary. Lost $1250.00 and now have a grievance filed with the State Bar of Michigan.
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07 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
At the time of my bankruptcy, he accepted an installment plan, (not filing until paid.) However, he did get my creditors to stop harassing me prior to filing. Very affordable. I would use his services again.
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23 May, 2013 by Anonymous
I would never recommend this individual as an attorney. His ethics are suspect at best and the office is incredibly dingy and dirty. He has no professional decorum. Hiring him would be wasting a great deal of money as he will scam you out of additional money for work not preformed. I initially hired him for a chapter 7, but decided to go elsewhere.
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18 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Attorneys have an obligation to stay current with all aspects of the area of law in which they choose to practice, and to work dilligently to protect client's rights.. Mr. Walsh did not do so in my case, resulting in a very unfavorable judgement against me.
I would strongly urge anyone seeking a competant lawyer to avoid him.
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07 Sep, 2012 by Tim
This lawyerr has failed to respond to multiple telephone calls. Has failed to keep me aware of whats taking place. I guess unless your paying him he is not going to work for you as he was appointed to me through the state. As i wonder how many others are out there who dont undderstand the process of how to file a complaiint or write a review. I do not reccomend this lawyer to represent me for a ticket infraction.
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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.
