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18 Jan, 2021 by John
This law firm is beyond exceptional , Attorney Mura and Attorney Hallac are professional and knowledgeable and always on top of the circumstances at hand. I only wish I would have been a client of this law firm when I had first went through my divorce.
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25 Jun, 2020 by Paul
Renee helped us with a couple of custody cases and an adoption. Everyone in her office was easy to work with and very responsive.
Renee was referred to us by a number of friends and professionals. The only people I spoke to that did not like her were individuals that were on the opposing side of a case. Which is exactly what we needed. She is thorough, and having her on our side really made us feel much better about a difficult experience.
Our case was complex but Renee was able to sift through the details, lay out our options, and help us get going in the right direction, ending with our desired result of the adoption of our son.
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04 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Renee represented me during a rough time in my life while I was attempting to obtain a restraining order.
She took her time to get to know the details of my case prior to the court date and answered all of my questions. I never felt like I was rushed during our meetings or that I had to re-explain myself. She just "got it". Her staff was also helpful and organized with their paperwork/email communication.
As someone who has never gone to court for anything before, my anxiety about the entire process was high. However, when Renee met me at the courthouse, my anxiety diminished. With her assistance prior to court, I felt prepared. And, more importantly, she was fully present and ready to handle my case. You can tell in court that Renee has extensive experience and there's no substitution for someone who has seen it all! I was impressed with her quick thinking, ability to analyze on the spot and react with intent to represent her client to the fullest extent of the law.
If you are looking for solid representation with an experienced attorney who will take her time and make you feel more at ease, I would highly recommend Attorney Mura.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Marry was vigorously recommended to me, with absolute promise of his success, were he to handle my DV case. Facing felony charges and the ruin of my foreseeable future, I went to Phil an absolute wreck. I was shocked at how calm, composed, and collected he remained, and at how hopeful he was for my situation. His secretary, Mrs. Jen, was just as wonderfully reassuring, and confident in his abilities. Phil worked with me financially, explained every step of the process, and ensured that I was aware of every possible outcome of my dire circumstances. He facilitated the passing of information to all parties involved, and I believe it was this aspect of his multifaceted professionalism, that granted me an Ordinance, rather than a Felony charge. Thanks to Phil Marry, I am able to spend time with my wife and better myself at home. I cannot possibly express my thanks and recommendation sufficiently enough.
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22 May, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Philip when my son was in a heap of trouble. I highly recommend this lawyer! Everything went very smooth, and Jennifer was so helpful as well. Always promptly returned our phone calls, and actually cared about you.
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02 May, 2022 by Dan
I retained Phil to represent me in a Domestic incident I was involved in. Phil was very detail oriented and professional. He's also very knowledgeable, down to earth and made me feel comfortable. He got me the outcome I was hoping for. Im very very greatful! His communication is top notch and he has very good relationships with everyone at the courthouse. 10/10 rating!!! A++++!!! Thanks Phil!
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21 Apr, 2023 by Shelley
This man fought for me when no one else would! In my opinion he is a very kind and caring attorney! He will give it his all!
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02 Mar, 2023 by M ayad
Mr stern will make you feel that you matter a lot to him and will make you feel that you are in good hands and will strive very hard for the anticipated result wich is a win and he is a winner Such a gentleman. All class seriously. He went above and beyond to resolve my case which you did I appreciate Him. He is like a legend.
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04 May, 2017 by Chuck haakma
I live in Mt. Pleasant Wisc. and decided to run for Trustee . I submitted my nomination papers and then that next meeting of the public board, in which the public has 3 mins to talk. i was going to state my opinion on an issued. i was told I could not speak, because I turned in my nomination papers . It was an ordinance. This violated my freedom of speak. the First Amendment.Walter helped over turn this. The person who told my I could not speak, Mr. Degroot is now President in Mt. Pleasant of the trustees. Unreal. At least citizens can speak . thanks only to Walter. Note: this was on the books for 13 yrs.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Attorney Hallac is an amazing Attorney. She really cares about you and your case. She is very professional and knowledgeable.
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07 May, 2019 by Heather
Jacqueline was amazing. She was very professional, she took the time to research the case and get familiar with the past orders on our case. She came to court on time and was completely prepared for each and every hearing. She went above and beyond to send info to the GAL and the social worker that helped tremendously. She was professional, but fought hard for me to keep what has been in place and working for my children for the last 10 years.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Sindy
In 2017 I hired Jacqueline as my divorce attorney. Jacqueline was the 2nd divorce attorney I hired. Shortly into the divorce process I realized my divorce was going to be complicated and messy. I needed a lawyer that was going to "fight" for my best interests and not back down. I remember meeting Jacqueline for the first time and leaving her office thinking she was going to be my "Olivia Pope". Through the process, Jacqueline provided support, guidance and honesty. Jacqueline carried herself with the upmost ethical standards. Jacqueline displayed a strong commitment to successfully settling my case. During every visit with Jacqueline she actively displayed a high degree of honesty, loyalty and integrity. I would highly recommend Jacqueline to anyone looking for a lawyer that is a fighter. Thank you Jacqueline for everything you did for me and my kids.
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29 Feb, 2012 by Jamie
Dana was very confident in navigating a collaborative divorce. She worked well with the opposing lawyer on my behalf to speed the process, at all times keeping our original goal in mind: make the kids well-being 1st priority. When it got to sticky discussions, Dana was the one to bring all parties back to the table to push forward and accomplish what needed to be done. I appreciated her ability to "hear" me, validate my position and then help me to have realistic expectations. I cannot imagine such a thing as a great divorce, but Dana's expertise and grounded approach gave me peace of mind that this would be DONE as well as possible within the parameters that were out of my control.
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03 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Dana. She does a lot of work for our company and is always up to speed on our cases and keeps us informed as well.
At the time of settlement, Dana knowledgeable on the case facts and always has our client's interest at the forefront of the case.
Dana is an asset to our company and I recommend referring cases to her often.
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13 May, 2016 by Debra
I have had Mary Losey represent me and found her and her staff kind caring and always available. On a scale from 1 to 10 I truly would give Attorney Losey a 10 plus. I would recommend her to anyone!
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15 Dec, 2023 by Kevin
Attorney Solis took my case and it went to a jury trial. I got EXACTLY what I wanted in the trial. He has a brilliant legal mind. Thank you Xavier!
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11 Jan, 2017 by Donna
Atty Dillhoff represented me for bankruptcy. She is very compassionate in her work and helped me 100%. Explained each step that would take place, and was understanding if I didn't understand certain procedures. I would recommend her to anyone.
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03 May, 2009 by Anonymous
I would very highly recommend attorney Christopher Rose to anyone in need of legal services. I hired him to represent my son when he was facing a few very serious felonies. My son admittedly denied he wasn't guilty and after meeting with two other attorneys that told my son to take a plea deal, Attorney Rose listened to the whole case and hired an investigator to PROVE my son was innocent. The evidence didn't lie and thanks to him my son is back home with his family.
Attorney Christopher Rose is viewed as one of the most respected attorney in Kenosha. The judges said in the Kenosha News "he is the only attorney in Kenosha capable of taking on the big cases. This is why he was given the Mark Jensen defence case"
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31 Aug, 2024 by Laurie manchester
I worked with Michael in a professional capacity, & he was great to work with. He maintained good communication and was extremely professional. He worked hard to make sure our mutual client received a favorable outcome at sentencing. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again. ~ Laurie Manchester, Manchester Paralegal Services
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14 Aug, 2024 by Scott luebke
Micheal was great, very professional. He implemented everything I said to him in my defense . Would strongly recommend him
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31 Jul, 2024 by Monica blate
I want to thank Micheal so much for working on my grandsons case so fast and promising, we really appreciate all your hard work God bless you.
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03 Aug, 2024 by Thomas tassi
These folks are beyond excellent. They are thoughtful and proactive, friendly and professional knowledgeable, and honestly complete. I could not possibly be happier for the service they provided
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30 Jul, 2024 by David scott
Won't give me a payment receipt for a retainer I paid.
Who would think contacting the bar association for something so silly would be needed.
Father and son both failed in a family case and gave hardly any effort. This place is definitely about money and getting no results done.
Also Ben Anderson will lie straight to your face even if you pay his business to have business.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Alex ruiz
03 Aug, 2024 by Thomas tassi
These folks are beyond excellent. They are thoughtful and proactive, friendly and professional knowledgeable, and honestly complete. I could not possibly be happier for the service they provided
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30 Jul, 2024 by David scott
Won't give me a payment receipt for a retainer I paid.
Who would think contacting the bar association for something so silly would be needed.
Father and son both failed in a family case and gave hardly any effort. This place is definitely about money and getting no results done.
Also Ben Anderson will lie straight to your face even if you pay his business to have business.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Alex ruiz
03 Aug, 2024 by Thomas tassi
These folks are beyond excellent. They are thoughtful and proactive, friendly and professional knowledgeable, and honestly complete. I could not possibly be happier for the service they provided
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30 Jul, 2024 by David scott
Won't give me a payment receipt for a retainer I paid.
Who would think contacting the bar association for something so silly would be needed.
Father and son both failed in a family case and gave hardly any effort. This place is definitely about money and getting no results done.
Also Ben Anderson will lie straight to your face even if you pay his business to have business.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Alex ruiz
13 Feb, 2023 by Amiya
I worked with attorney Dahl last summer, and I am glad I did because she provides great services. She was kind, hard-working, gave good advice, and helped me every step of the way. Great lawyer!
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20 May, 2020 by Jason
When my son was born his mother refused to let me see him for the first six months of his life. The first lawyer I hired did absolutely nothing in mine or my sons best interest, so I fired her and hired Attorney Dahl. Looking back, I now know this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My only regret is I wish I would have done it sooner or just hired her from the beginning. Attorney Dahl always had my back; whether it was laying out exactly what the courts expectations were, to explaining the process and what I should expect, to answering my calls/texts/emails at all hours of the night just so I could vent my frustration with the situation, to offering flexible payment options, to taking a genuine interest in my case and treating me like family, to helping me get 50/50 custody of my son. Words alone can’t express how grateful I am for Attorney Dahl. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, personable, and an absolute delight to work with. With Attorney Dahl there was no beating around the bush, or making promises she couldn’t deliver, in fact she was very straightforward and blunt about what I needed to fix with myself in order to be a better person, a better father, and be able to effectively co-parent. I honestly couldn’t have done it without Attorney Dahl and am forever indebted to her. I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again, THANK YOU for everything Brenda, you truly are my guardian angel!!!!
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12 Mar, 2020 by Kevin
I was sighted and had no hope to beat this ticket. I hired Brenda based on several good recommendations in the community. She fought very aggressively at my trial and we lost due to some politics. She then appealed the case to a higher court and we won! Thank you Brenda!
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12 Mar, 2023 by Ryan
Without any hesitation I would recommend Attorney Terry Rose for legal counsel. I chose Mr. Rose to represent me on a family court issue . I found Mr. Rose to be well prepared and competent while clearly stating my case. His guidance, professionalism, and most importantly, effectiveness were greatly appreciated.
My words cannot begin to thank Mr. Rose for his help and his professional competence. I highly recommend Mr. Terry Rose.
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08 Feb, 2021 by Kevin
Terry has represented me twice now. Both were civil matters. I've never seen a harder worker or more ethical dude in my 36 years being alive.
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25 Jan, 2018 by Kimberly
Attorney Terry Rose represented me in a business litigation case. The other party hired a large Milwaukee firm that showed little respect for our Kenosha County Courts and attorneys. After a number of hearings, the case was settled out of court and the Milwaukee firm was served a brand-new perspective on our legal system and the expertise of attorney’s Terry and Christopher Rose. Very grateful for their knowledge inside and outside the courtroom.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Cassie vargas
I was in a pretty bad accident and I was working with both Thomas p Aiello and John v O’Conner offices they are both very knowledgeable and Thomas made sure to give me a voice and ask all the right questions when I didn’t have one or didn’t think of them at that time. I truly appreciate all the hard work they put into my case. It truly felt like they cared.
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01 Feb, 2024 by Sarah wisniewski
I heard what these people did to my friend and its awful. They are snakes in suits. So if that's what your looking for, come here and they will play dirty. Terrible and disgusting.
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19 Dec, 2023 by F farhan
23 Sep, 2024 by Valerie velez
Honestly the worst, I paid 3 grand for this and can’t even get a phone call back after 3 weeks of reaching out to my attorney. At this point I’ve learned their waiting jingle. This is ridiculous
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15 Sep, 2024 by Matt muhlenfeld
This is probably my first review I have ever left on a website because it is warranted. I was recommended Renee E. Mura S.C. Attorneys At Law by a friend who had a lawyer from the firm represent his ex against him and Jacqueline Hallac took my case. I will admit that I was hesitant at first because of court biases and Jacqueline blew my expectations out of the water. Not only was she professional but she was also personal, patient, respectful, and kind. She definitely went the extra mile when it came to my best interests and she was informative along the way. I would recommend anyone to this law firm and especially Jacqueline Hallac!! Thank you!!
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11 Sep, 2024 by Brooke retherford
Extremely disappointed with my experience with this firm. I had Atty Jacqueline Hallac who failed to prep me for a De Novo hearing where I had absolutely NO IDEA that I was going to be put on the stand and cross examined or was to bring any evidence. Having your divorce lawyer scrambling at the table during a hearing for custody and placement is in no way comforting. We were at the point where she was trying to use screen shots on my phone as evidence since she wasn't prepared and lo and behold, that evidence is inadmissible since there were no copies to submit. After the fact when asked "why" we did not prep for this hearing, the response was, "Not all judges hold an evidentiary support hearing for De Novo." So instead of preparing anything or even mentioning that I would be put on the stand or would be asked to produce evidence, we did nothing at all. The hearing did not go well, I no longer trusted her competency to take me to trial for custody and replaced her with another attorney ASAP.
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23 Mar, 2023 by Kendra
John Ward and his team have been nothing less then spectacular. My case has been a load and a half, DV, divorce, custody battle and many appeals. John has never backed down, he has stood strong and always fought for my son and I's best intrest and keeping us safe all the while. John and Michelle are always a phone call away and are very supportive, making sure all the bases are covered. I am so thankful for everything that John and his team do to stay on top of everything, 10/10 recommended.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
BEWARE! John Ward is a scum bag. He makes glitter look like gold during a consultation and after he receives payments does absolutely nothing. Mr Ward is a thief. He makes up false billing fees stating he is doing work for your case when he does nothing. Even though I lost thousands of dollars, firing Mr Ward was the best decision I could have made. Please don’t waste your time and money on this man. After all the complaints with the State Bar of Wisconsin I am surprised he is still able to he’s not disbarred!
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04 Jun, 2020 by Paulette
John Anthony Ward is representing us in a custody case. Mr. Ward is a consummate professional, and he treats us as though we are his only clients. He works hard for us, and he keeps us informed about the progress of the case. We win every time we go to court thanks to Mr. Ward.
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25 Dec, 2023 by Scott gordon
10 May, 2022 by Joshua ferguson
17 Mar, 2022 by Michael lewis
In 2014 I was arrested in racine for disorderly conduct or criminal damage to property or domestic abuse or fighting . I'm not sure cause it has changed depending on the situation. This after a mysterious phone call by a still unknown person that probably just was thrown out of my house for trying to plot against me for financial gain. See in 2014 I was the first geoge flyod I was assaulted in cuffs by 12 officers in racine County jail. Before even arriving to jail I didn't have any injury to my face shoulders back neck hips ...my shoes were on my feet not cut off. I was not being slammed on a wall ...lifted by my cuffed arms and legs facing down tearing both my shoulders and hips. A knee firmly planted in my neck while my legs were in the air and whn I gasped for air and struggled to breathe and told the officers I couldn't breathe ...the officer told me if I could talk I could breathe. After being offered water by a in house nurse, I was strapped to a chair and hooded much like you would see a pow after being captured and tortured. After several hours of agonizing pain I was carried limply to my cell where I remained unprocessed in due time as required by law for 3 days offered no medical assistance or a phone call. I was released on 300 dollars 4 days after the incident on what was supposedly disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. At this point I'm unsure of what is damaged because the only thing happening whn the police arrived is me throwing out already damage property THAT BELONGS TO ME. I look to find an attorney after being not only wrongfully arrested but assaulted after. I found him at Henry law office in Kenosha for 5000 plus. After what I would call the quickest 30 mins ever to determine ones fate. I ended up pleading no contest and being charged with disorderly conduct with a domestic enhancement. I was told that because my girlfriend at the time was there even though not a single thing happened other than being shocked and having the house illegal searched and and her cornered and questioned and her going to court after still being confused as to why I was even arrested. Still was enough for a domestic enhancement according to Wisconsin and only the fact that the police showed up at all was enough for disorderly conduct. And that the jury would be constantly reminded that despite the facts of the case this is the law. And tht I should take the plea deal that I'm being given even though I have never got to make a statement the fact I was assaulted by 12 officers means nothing even though it sounds like those officers felt they were judge jury and executioner. The fact the the only property damage that occurred was to my already broken wardrobe and to property owned by me and broken by racine county police. I was in record for all of less then 30 mins throughout the months of deliberation that never changed. He insisted that he worked for racine and it would be this way and easier than a trial...however swiftly added that I should try to have it pardoned in the future because it is such a weak case. Personally racine da office called in a favor on him .....and did I mention no charges on me or the police for their action ...huh...not even mentioned one time in court either. Only a single sentence in the report indicating any action at all occupied between me and 13 officers that night. I have permanent damage from the night of Jan 18 2014. 2 torn shoulders 2 torn hips neck damage back damage face damage night terrors every night. Since thn I have had 2 disc's in my back fixed and one of 2 hips fixed and the fixed one is not doing well the police stretched out both Achilles one tore already the other could at any time. He did nothing but side with racine county and their lies and brutality towards me..he never assured me justice at all and it ultimately allowed for me to be assaulted again Nov 14 2017 ...by just as many officers in my garage under my truck .....no charges filed
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25 Dec, 2023 by Scott gordon
10 May, 2022 by Joshua ferguson
26 Jan, 2022 by Ericka sumner
03 Jun, 2018 by Jeff
She was there for my daughter and me. She was very patient with me. She did what she was hired to do. To protect a Father’s rights to his daughter. Thanks to her I have peace of mind and my daughter is securely in this daddy’s life to this very day.
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23 Aug, 2014 by Jason
Attorney Beddigs was upfront and honest about the challenges I faced in my custody case. Everyone I spoke to told me that it was virtually impossible to change primary placement from a mother to a father in the state of WI (especially since said father resided in another state). Attorney Beddigs and her staff were always available whenever any questions or concerns came up. I always received a response in a reasonable time. I could not have asked for a better representative inside and outside the courtroom. Nicole is sharp, knowledgeable, well-informed, compassionate and TOUGH. Because of Nicole and staff's diligence I, the father, was awarded primary placement. The children now reside with me several states away. I know this nearly impossible feat would not have been possible without Nicole and her staff. I cannot recommend Attorney Beddigs enough. Is she an inexpensive attorney? No. Was she worth every penny? Absolutely. I did not feel nickeled and dimed and was well-informed how funds were being used. I am thankful that I found Nicole and her staff, I feel certain my case could have gone a completely different way without them. If you need a divorce/child custody attorney, do yourself a favor: hire Attorney Beddigs.
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13 Sep, 2012 by Wantsmymoneyback
Nicole is the first lawyer I've ever had. I hired Nicole honestly because I thought she was nice and friendly and not because I did research and read reviews. Lesson learned. A few papers filed and one court appearance later all of my $1500 retainer is used up. Really? She charged me $50 every time I called the office and other than the free consultation I never spoke to her personally again just office assistants. I would not recommend this lawyer to anyone and advise people to do better research than what I did. I would rather have a tenacious troll represent me any day than a pretty face with an empty head.
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25 Dec, 2023 by Scott gordon
10 May, 2022 by Joshua ferguson
26 Jan, 2022 by Ericka sumner
25 Dec, 2023 by Scott gordon
10 May, 2022 by Joshua ferguson
26 Jan, 2022 by Ericka sumner
02 Jan, 2014 by Bonnie
I read the one review and was worried because she was so super nice when we talked to her, but WOW was she tough in court! We knew she would tell it like it is to us and not waste our money but she totally fought like crazy in court but was so helpful the whole way. Answered all our questions and we never felt rushed, and we knew exactly what to expect once we were in trial. So happy we found her!
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27 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
She handled my family issues and a friend's criminal issues. Did a really good job, went to bat for us every chance she could. Well worth the money and would work with her again!
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12 Jun, 2013 by Bill
To young and inexperienced. Courts assigned her to me, in lieu of a public defender ( public pretender ) Seemed to be working alongside the state, rather than with me. Not aggressive. Didn't know how to communicate well.
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07 Jan, 2013 by William kenosha
Denis Hertz-McGrath takes State Public Defender cases like mine because no one will hire her privately, and for good reason...she is a terrible attorney.
I was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Battery. I was laid off from my construction job and needed a Public Defender. The Public Defender gave my case to Denise Hertz-McGrath. This attorney did absolutely nothing on my case. She never spoke to a witness. She met with me once for 12 minutes, after calling her office over 6 times without even the courtesy of a return call from her. During this 12 minute meeting we had it seemed her only goal was to get me to hire her privately, though the State was paying her the "State rate", which she stated wasn't enough for her to really dedicate the resources I needed. I think it all boiled down to a greedy attorney trying to take my money after getting the Public Defenders money for taking my case.
In court she actually was talking about the wrong case and had to be stopped by the Judge. I ended up doing county jail time because she upset and argued with the DA.
If Denise Hertz-McGrath was the last Attorney in Wisconsin, I'd suggest you represent yourself.
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22 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
McGrath is one among very few Kenosha attorneys that invests herself 110% for your criminal case. She pulls no punches; our experience was that she represented us as if we were her own family. She does not hesitate to challenge or clarify the judge's statements and/or rulings when necessary (and we found it to definitely be necessary). She is one intelligent, matter-of-fact attorney worthy of her retainer fee !!
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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.
