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16 Dec, 2020 by Randy hogan
He didn't do much before we found a new attorney. Didn't try to get her to a work comp doctor but said just go to the emergency room. We found a Dr but needed a fax to be sent to the Dr and when we called Randy he was rude and was more worried about his own schedule and acted mad that he had to send the info. I do not recommend him. It's been 3 weeks since he took the case and everything that got done we did ourselves. He charges 25%.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Laurie reed
Randy Stalcup is a great lawyer! He helps people who have been involved in an accident.
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29 Nov, 2024 by Debi brown-tosh
18 Mar, 2021 by J per
Called three time was put on hold and then disconnected
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12 Feb, 2021 by Kimberly green
This law firm has a civil judgement against me from 2016. I just found out about it when I tried to move and they ran my tenant screening report. I have been calling them for a solid week now leaving messages after messages and no one will call me back! My son and I are currently homeless because I can't get approved to move with this judgement on my record and I have made this perfectly clear on the many messages I have left. All I'm trying to do is pay the judgement so I can get a place to live. I find this extremely unprofessional. I hope they don't treat their clients like this.
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13 Aug, 2017 by Andrew campbell
14 Feb, 2023 by Dennille schweitzer
26 Apr, 2022 by Pearl oden
Can't ever get anyone to answer, and when did, didn't get a return call.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Patrick shaw
11 Feb, 2024 by Billie aistrup
Tha lady at tha front is always very nice and Jacob is awesome!
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23 Oct, 2022 by Buddy wooldridge
This man is an excellent advocate for his clients! He understands the nature of the legal system and is very articulate in addressing the issue's that are important. I highly recommend this attorney!
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30 Sep, 2022 by Marisa gutierrez
15 Apr, 2019 by Peggy payne-narron
Don't like them. Not the friendliest place
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11 Nov, 2018 by Loretta starns
17 Feb, 2024 by A s
Worst attorney in Kansas, incompetent, does not advocate for Father's rights. Is a mumbling lost buffoon in the courtroom.
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09 Apr, 2020 by Cheyenne pamp
26 Jul, 2019 by Charles cox
Decent attorneys office nice people
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22 Aug, 2022 by I
I would recommend this lawyer at all costs! He is a scam artist and does not care about you or your case. He will pocket your money and ignore you. Go with another lawyer or be ready to represent yourself and throw your money away!!
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22 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Do not waste your time or money. This firm will not fight for you, all they care about is collecting their fee and once they have it, they put in zero effort and give zero legal advice. Scam artist to the fullest. Avoid unless you want to throw your money away!! There are much better attorneys elsewhere!
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12 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Mike helped take care of a criminal case for me. He kept me out of jail when I was facing up to 5 years.
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17 Oct, 2023 by Ben prouty
13 Sep, 2022 by L. alvidrez
17 Apr, 2019 by Kenny fogelson
29 Jun, 2012 by Jeanna
I wish we had found Steve years before we did, he has been the most helpful and informant lawyer we have had in all the years of child visitation and support needs. He is very knowledgeable and helped us numerous times keep our child support down so we did not get screwed over. Also love his honesty and is very upfront and gets straight to the point so it does not cost us even more, like all other attorneys and had meetings for hours and maybe did 15 minutes of work. Will actually will miss working with/needing his help! Highly recommend.
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12 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Wow, i wish i have seen this website before, i was trying to lower my child support because i lost my job, but my lawyer did a very terrible job that the judge asked me to pay extra money, I’m glad I have a good job now and I can afford the child support, but I thought I hired a good lawyer turn out the other way.
Mr. Popp is a nice person but I would not recommend him for family cases
thank you
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08 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Mr. Popp represented me in child visitation custody. I met him only one time in a coffee shop to talk about my needs, most of the time he text me to answer my questions.
I’m very disappointed with him for not handling my case properly and not been organized. The case still going on and seems like my x-husband is winning this case.
I was just hoping Mr. Popp just take the time to listen than talk and talk and not deliver.
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23 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
She gave wrong advice which caused us to lose our children. Only found that that advice pleased the opposing counsel. We thought she is different, but they are all the same, working out deals with each other for their own good not for the clients.
The worse was that we found that she worked for the cause of my ex, just so she could keep good relationship with the opposing counsel. At the crucial moment, she just found a reason to abandon you. I don't recommend this lawyer.
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25 Mar, 2019 by Monique
Undoubtedly, the best service that I have received from an attorney. Kari Nelson was very prompt, courteous and knowledgeable. I definitely recommend her to those in need of a great family attorney!
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26 Jun, 2018 by Aaron
Kari was used to adjust child support and work on a parenting plan I was attempting to get more time with my son. Overall I was not impressed, I constantly had to follow up with her and try and give us a game plan. I did not have confidence in her work to go to court and thus had to settle much more time and money than I was hoping to get with my son.
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22 Dec, 2024 by Darius stewart
I was actually accepted and awarded a lawyer. We spoken on the phone even… I gave him very detailed information about my divorce case he said everything looked fine all to send me a letter Monday saying they changed their minds and are only gonna give me advice on how to file. That was definitely detrimental and not what I wanted to hear after telling me I had representation. Men have to prove they’re worthy to have their own kids even when they are present and it shouldn’t be that way!!!!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Tony miller
19 Sep, 2024 by Rebecca williams
Heather failed to file appropriate paperwork, canceled multiple court hearings without advising me or opposing counsel, never once returned emails or phone calls. After I fired her she kept my full retainer, after working on my case for only 3 hours. Horrible experience to say the least!
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13 Feb, 2024 by Jonathan turner
Wonderful department and super friendly people. Serving their community well!!!!
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09 Nov, 2023 by Aileen blackwell
06 Dec, 2022 by A b
10 Dec, 2024 by Lisa starmer
I have never been spoken to so rudely in my entire life. He is very forgetful and slow.
Not organized at all. Receptionist is very nice and that is the best thing about that office!
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06 Apr, 2024 by Caleb
03 Oct, 2022 by Mary kimball
Definitely don't recommend, there are way better attorneys in the surrounding areas. I honestly believe he's got Alzheimer's or the beginning stages of it. He couldn't remember conversations, what was discussed, what he said he was going to do, or what he advised me to do. Ended up going with a way better attorney outta Girard.
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10 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Our case was very time sensitive and i feel like he did nothing but waste our time. We talked to him at the beginning of may. Paid him the money he asked for that day and the next time we heard him was the beginning of July. We called all the time, tried to get a hold of him every chance we could, but he was too busy doing other things. He never called us back never emailed us back never made any attempts to contacts us about what to do. He wasted the time that was precious to us. When we found another lawyer he apologized for being busy and told us he would get us a refund of some of the money he gave us. We waited a week before calling him because the check hadn't come yet. He forgot to send it. My mother in law had to drive and pick up the check personally from him to get it. I think he was a horrible lawyer.
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10 Sep, 2009 by Amanda
Mr. henderson did my bankruptcy and my divorce. He did a good job. I would recommend him to a friend.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Maisie smalling
They were able to help me quickly and were kind and incredibly helpful
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21 Jul, 2022 by Annette king
Zero stars.
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13 May, 2022 by Chase wylie
17 Jan, 2025 by Sonya stewart
Very high recommended
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20 Jan, 2023 by Savana lemmon
Don't bother, they will never call you back and have shown that they do not care. Unprofessional, unreliable, and crass.
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16 Dec, 2020 by Randy hogan
He didn't do much before we found a new attorney. Didn't try to get her to a work comp doctor but said just go to the emergency room. We found a Dr but needed a fax to be sent to the Dr and when we called Randy he was rude and was more worried about his own schedule and acted mad that he had to send the info. I do not recommend him. It's been 3 weeks since he took the case and everything that got done we did ourselves. He charges 25%.
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08 Jul, 2019 by Laurie reed
Randy Stalcup is a great lawyer! He helps people who have been involved in an accident.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Noel hannon
This man should not be allowed to practice law. He is unethical, clumsy, unreliable and most importantly, a proven liar. Avoid this man at all costs.
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04 Mar, 2023 by Suze crockett
Beautiful office in an old Victorian house. Last several years Beautifully decorated for the holidays.
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22 Nov, 2022 by Colin smith
Unprofessional, and especially unethical as any attorney could possibly be. This man's own friends describe David as someone who "makes sport" out of billing as many hours from his clients as possible. There's a reason you won't easily find pictures of this man and that's because he's too ashamed to show his face. If you're trying to lie, cheat, and steal your way into getting what you want then David is the perfect choice! I predict he will be hearing from the Bar Association real soon to explain why he blatantly lied for his clients to commit theft.
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22 Sep, 2023 by Jennifer zamora
My son was a passenger in a roll over accident. The insurance company was not wanting to comply with medical bills. Mark Gunnison was recommended to us. Mark and his paralegal went above and beyond for us. Thank you!
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08 Nov, 2018 by Lynn sitzmier
I hired him for a child custody case he said no problem. He did not return calls or emails. It got postponed 3 times. We lost because some stupid law. He should of know that. It cost me $5500 for nothing. I do Not recommen!!
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27 Dec, 2024 by Sarah turner
I don’t understand why this office even exists. 2 weeks their client has been in jail again not guilty of any crime. Any good Criminal attorney would already have this case resolved. Believe these bad reviews. It’s true they work for the system not for the people. Oh and not returning calls bravo. 👏👏🤯 Oh and this is a case that has been going for 2 years, we are the victims of theft at hands of the real criminals the employees of Kansas and Sedgwick County. My next step will be talking to the news.
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01 Dec, 2024 by Erica johnson
I agree they work with the prosecutors. They rob you of effective counsel. Saying they’re understaffed and overwhelmed is underwhelming , frankly. I wish I’d not felt inclined to do what they said because o was running late. So was the judge. She got there after me. And a plea to a lessor isn’t really the lessor if the one to be ‘dropped’ is still showing. And it’s a plea if you outline it to a defendant as a PLEA. Not intro the conversation with the judge dropped blah. My understanding was it was dropped. I didn’t know it was still labeled that until well after the court date when I was checking some things. It’s called lying. It’s unethical. At a minimum. Disgraceful. I’ll be reporting my experience bad should everyone who’s experienced unethical practices from their public ,defender’. Just an fyi, just because the state doesn’t want to pay you and would like to keep you poor DOESNT mean you have to do the same to us. Be the change. Either way, tell the truth. Cause you lied to me. And had this arranged with the prosecution, THE STATE, before I even walked inThe door
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30 Apr, 2024 by Michael keiter
Pathetic excuse for a sixth amendment I see it looks like you tried to suppress my last political speech/criticism of you worthless government individuals are "public defender's" are, if you or "anyone" reports my post again I will send a subpoena to Google for you I.P. address and your I.E.M.I and file section 18 title 242 for willfully depriving me of my first amendment right "political speech." Record these people when you're talking to them Federal and Kansas law is a party consent report any signs unethical doing to the Kansas bar and the D.O.J, I'll be pursuing the WPD with civil and criminal audits.
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19 Dec, 2024 by Vince redinger
13 Dec, 2024 by Erik baaske
This law firm handled my needs quickly and efficiently. Bravo!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Jessica tellez
Total vultures. Interesting they call themselves divorce attorneys. They are a debt recovery company. Nothing more. They charge outrageous interest.
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13 Feb, 2025 by Royce cantrell
This guy.... DO NOT HIRE HIM! dropped 7k to his office. He nor staff communicate worth a damn. Couldn't even argue to get a court to grant a Bill of Particulars. Would stop on the side of the road to attempt to connect to zoom hearings... I found more reliable case law than he. Then.. he breaches the contract... presents a bill where he charges 300 per hour for his clerk to send emails. It goes on and on. Complaints on the way. As another reviewer mentioned. He pissed off the opposing council right out of the gate. However... I'm suspicious that this may just be a claim as part of a culture of dropping clients. Helping prosecutors and extorting his clients. Even judges frown when his name is spoken
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29 Apr, 2024 by Stacy hutson
Gave him $3,500 over a PFA. He seemed knowledgeable before hiring. Once hired he didn’t keep in contact never gave a new court date. I had to call the office to get a court date. We eventually dropped the PFA and he agreed with the other parties attorney and went with what they wanted. He then called us and said he can do a Guardian case over kids that are involved but told us he’d have go “study” it since he doesn’t practice it. Be aware he’s in this just for the money and doesn’t represent clients like he should.
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21 Aug, 2023 by Jamy mays
08 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Signed documents on more than one occasion stating she is certifying she will mail them. They mysteriously got “lost in the mail” 3 times. I asked her why she doesn’t send them certified w/the post office & she told me because she doesn’t legally have to do that,
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19 Jul, 2019 by Donnie
In my time working with Jean ann, I found her to be unprofessional,
incompetent and dishonest.
Unprofessional: Other than our initial meeting (for which she charged
me, not offering any free initial consultation) she ignored the vast
majority of my follow-up questions and requests for meetings. In
fact, the only time she actually did any work on my behalf was when I
showed up at her office unannounced and refused to leave until she
talked with me and filed the paperwork. The only other time she
worked for me was in response to my written request (per the
stipulations of our contract) that she immediately cease working as my
lawyer. Ignoring this request, she then charged me for several
billable hours. Unfortunately, I believed her when she promised me
that things would be different going forward. The next time I heard
from her was about a month later, in response to my second request
that she cease working for me.
Incompetent: During our first meeting, Jean Ann told me it would only
take about two months to resolve my issue. Five months later, the
issue is still unresolved (though I have a new attorney trying to make
up for lost time). At that first meeting, she asked me to go to the
courthouse and pick up necessary paperwork so as to expedite the
process. I did so that day, bringing the paperwork directly to her
office. Jean Ann then failed to file the paperwork fo another ten
days. Whey I asked why she waited so long, I received a vague excuse.
To make matters worse, when she did actually file the paperwork, she
did so incorrectly, giving an advantage to the attorney of the adverse
party. My current attorney is trying to straighten out the mess
resulting from Jean Ann's incompetence.
Dishonest: In addition to the above examples, Jean Ann (on the rare
occasion she responded to a text or email) assured me she was about to
do what she'd said she needed to do on my behalf. Unfortunately, she
never actually did what she'd said she'd do (with the exception of the
two above examples). Her normal excuse, when she did reply to me, was
"I was out of town."
Either Jean Ann is constantly on vacation or she is dishonest. Either
way, I'm currently paying a different attorney to fix her mistakes and
to do what Jean Ann had assured me would be a simple task.
Unfortunately, I cannot get back the money I paid Jean Ann for
minimal, and legally inaccurate, work.
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04 Oct, 2018 by Felicia
I've went to Jean Ann when I was served by my husband out literally of the blue. It was a crisis situation and she had me in her office the next day. Everything was explained in detail and I felt that she really cares for her clients. She is very thorough and on top of things. I would not hesitate to use her services again. Would highly recommend!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Sadie sprinkle
I would not recommend her to anyone. When I called to schedule a consultation regarding a divorce, she refused to assist me, laughed, and abruptly ended the call while still laughing. This situation is already highly stressful, as it involves children and the sale of a home. My brother is currently using her services, and has not had any positive results from her either. Her snotty demeanor is unprofessional for someone who is supposed to be in the community to assist, and help make the transitions in life a little more manageable.
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03 Jun, 2023 by Lisa
Shawnah did a brilliant job for us. It was an ugly few months, and Shawnah was prepared for several ugly court appearances. She is calm, patient, intelligent and reads situations accurately. And she is such a nice person. She fought multiple times for us, and she got justice for everyone. I highly recommend Shawnah and her team. Her assistant/secretary did a wonderful job keeping us calm in a stressful situation.
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13 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Did majority of research myself. Did not present to court. Blamed on judge. Did not file appropriate legal proceedings.
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09 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
She consulted me on a major felony (intent to do bodily harm- less than murder. Told me I was going to prison no matter what. 1-3 yrs. That I needed to beg the judge and except anything under 3yrs and call it a gift from the prosecutor. They had me dead to rights and absolutely no way I wasn't doing time. Then told me she'd need 6000 to proceed. Because of a instant financial downfall I had no choice but to take a court appointed attorney. End result... 6 months probation, non reporting counseling and AA. Not a second in jail. Don't hire this woman. You will regret it
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09 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
She is so badass!! I never felt more at piece than when I know Sherri’s got my back. Over and over again we have needed her and she flys in like a super hero every time and knocks it out of the park! Absolutely love her !!
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08 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Do not hire her for any divorce matter. You are better representing yourself. She did nothing besides bill me large fee amounts for nothing she did. We had to do all the work for her. She rolled over and gave in to everything the other attorney wanted. She would never fight for anything. She didn't respond to messages left about the case. Once the case was over I lost more than what she ever said I would lose. She told me to file first to get the advantage with the custody parenting plan and residence. The only advantage was for her to fill her pockets with my cash. a lot of my cash. Then the ex got everything besides the large fees my lawyer took. Worst in lawyer the area!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Kathleen sigvaldson
Calvin Karlin helped us write our wills and he was very thorough, did a great job, and was very friendly. If I ever need a lawyer in the future he would be my first call.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Mari platt
I was treated poorly for having little to no experience working with lawyers and cost or charges for service. I would not recommend this man. He was extremely rude and not professional when asked questions about his billing.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Lisa norcross
I am not sure if I would use Calvin Karlin. Me and my boyfriend was referred to him by another attorney for my boyfriend 's mother's estate and when my boyfriend started asking questions about fees and when fees are paid which is general questions people ask when hiring an attorney and if you are relaying information to other family members that are also paying for it. Mr. Karlin stated that he was nervous about handling the case in regards of payment and referred us to another law firm. Not sure if he is "a professional " or not. Most attorneys would of asked a question before jumping to conclusions as such.
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21 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Aline Pryor took my money and gave me nothing but more stress in return. She's friends with the other lawyers and she goes in and makes deals that are not in her clients best interest. Than when I started questioning her she quit my case right before we were scheduled to go to court. Waste of time and money. If you are looking for a lawyer to truly help than STAY AWAY FROM ALINE!!!
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11 Dec, 2019 by Fletcher
I would 100% agree with the other negative reviews. At the initial meeting, Aline and her assistant seemed very attentive and promising. However, the case became about the money than handling my case. Would agree that she was condescending and doesn't listen to her client who hired her. I also was tasked with putting together meaningless paperwork and providing background information. All of which was never used and it was clear she never read it. I did catch her in a lie about a discussing with the opposing attorney. When I questioned her I received a belittling email back. It's hard to switch lawyers when you have sunk $27K into the case. Save yourself time and money and look elsewhere. The experience with her was worse than than the reason I hired her. Worse decision...
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27 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I can't say enough great things about this attorney. She was always straightforward with me about my case and the potential outcomes. Aline always came to court prepared, organized, and thought quickly on her feet. She and her assistant went above and beyond for me and my family. I couldn't recommend her more.
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20 Mar, 2017 by Courtney
Mr. Ebert was courteous, professional, and went above and beyond what I could have asked for an attorney. He was highly recommended to me, and I would highly recommend him to anybody who is looking for a great lawyer.
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03 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Ebert ran up attorney fees and avoided trial. I paid this attorney $26,000 and he sued me for another $8,000, refusing to take any responsibility for the insurmountable fees which he knew I could not afford. His work was repetitive, costly and unnecessary. I realized too late that while he presents himself as a divorce attorney, he charged me thousands of dollars to get legal advice from other attorneys and later learned that his reputation is to run up fees to settle right before trial. Beware.
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27 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Absolutely do not hire this attorney. He is only interested in money. I believe I read another review after he took on my case. My situation was very similar. He provided very little in terms of services but will bill you for any possible service he provides. You can find any lawyer that will provide similar services at a fraction of the cost. You should absolutely avoid this attorney. Fortunately I've only had to do with attorneys a few times, but he is especially arrogant and self-serving.
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06 Jul, 2023 by Mrs silence dogood
Polite and too the point
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22 Jun, 2022 by Alla aranovskaya
No help
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31 Aug, 2021 by Nate washington
Somehow all our family information ended up with a complete stranger case files and all. And now we can’t get in contact with anybody.
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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:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
