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27 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Rebecca worked very hard for me and was able to get me full custody of my child. I highly recommend her, she is a talented lawyer and she knows the law and has morals and sticks to them.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Brittany
My husband and I decided to adopt our daughter and Britni really made the whole process very easy and honestly did her best to move the process along as quickly as she could. We didn't have to stress about anything. They always with our schedules and had a very easy system for payment. I would highlyrecommend!
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29 Oct, 2023 by Wesley harper
Mr. Eldridge is one of the best defense attorneys in Knoxville Tennessee. I would highly recommend him.
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13 Sep, 2023 by Rachael warren
I was recently in need of an attorney in the Knoxville area. When I was recommended Tasha Blakney, I was eager to meet her. Tasha and her staff were polite, prompt, and made myself and family feel confident. Tasha Blakney was thorough, gave clear and concise help and directions. Her understanding of the law and guidance through a complicated situation and I will always be grateful.
I highly recommend Eldridge & Blakney.
Especially Tasha Blakney.
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06 Sep, 2021 by Josiah reilly
I called another law firm who had me wait for a week to talk to someone, Zach called me within an hour and within a week I had my issue resolved. Quick and efficient as well as great communication would recommend.
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28 Nov, 2018 by Kayce
Jason answered all my questions promptly. All I has to do was show up, and he took care of everything else. I left feeling much lighter. Jason is a very genuine, professional man.
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09 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I was very scared until I called Jason. He got my case dismissed the very next day. He is honest and he won't overcharge you. Stop reading reviews and call him now.
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08 Nov, 2018 by Penny
Live 200 miles away, my son had a speeding ticket in the area. Did a search for attorneys in the area. Inquiry's varied wildly! I liked Jason, Everything went smoothly, no surprises, and very reasonable. I would highly recommend his law firm.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Shasta mcanally
15 Oct, 2024 by Tyler
Thank the good lord that my situation was reconciled, but in the 9 months of some pretty difficult times I was thankful I had come to Adam to represent me. He was on board with what my goal was and helped me every step of the way to guide me, explaining potential outcomes of decisions not only legally but emotionally for all of us involved. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Adam. He's was very honest and straight forward with the cost structure and billing; as opposed to my opposition who were not. I pray if you're in need of Adam's services that God intercedes in your situation and you all find healing.. but in the meantime, you need Adam!
Thank you again Adam!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Andy green
I have used Adam over the last 20 years and highly recommended him, his honesty and commitment to serving his clients is second to none. I always recommend and refer Adam to friends who need family law services!!
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28 Oct, 2024 by Shasta mcanally
15 Oct, 2024 by Tyler
Thank the good lord that my situation was reconciled, but in the 9 months of some pretty difficult times I was thankful I had come to Adam to represent me. He was on board with what my goal was and helped me every step of the way to guide me, explaining potential outcomes of decisions not only legally but emotionally for all of us involved. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Adam. He's was very honest and straight forward with the cost structure and billing; as opposed to my opposition who were not. I pray if you're in need of Adam's services that God intercedes in your situation and you all find healing.. but in the meantime, you need Adam!
Thank you again Adam!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Andy green
I have used Adam over the last 20 years and highly recommended him, his honesty and commitment to serving his clients is second to none. I always recommend and refer Adam to friends who need family law services!!
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01 Jun, 2017 by Chris popp
Jerry did a great job representing on my behalf. Even a whole state away he kept me informed and did everything he could to keep my case on track. I would highly recommend him.
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31 May, 2017 by Andrea
I hired Mr. Givens for an uncontested divorce involving minor children. His team was always available to answer any questions I had, no matter how small or trivial they may have seemed. Mr. Givens is very personable and down to earth and makes you feel at ease with the entire process.
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31 May, 2017 by Keith
Jerry and his staff are excellent. They took time to make sure I understand everything upfront. They were always easy to get in contact with and returned calls promptly when I left a message. They made me feel part of the team and truly made me feel that they took a personal interest in me and my case and were there for me when I needed them. I recommend Jerry Givens and his staff.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.5
85 Reviews
13 Sep, 2024 by Tim haskins
I wouldn't trust these ambulance chasers with a parking ticket. If your case isn't lucrative enough fast enough, they couldn't care less about you. I wish I could give zero stars.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr Elrod filled in for the Anderson County Juvenile judge for a short time and he was amazing. Every kid, every trouble, ever file, he looked at with patience but firmness and he treated everyone with respect. I have so much respect and I hope he returns to Anderson County as an official.
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22 May, 2024 by Scissor metimbers
Eeeee.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Jay smith
The closing of an estate in TN while living quite a distance away and having no experience with the process made me very fearful. Went to the internet for help and selected “Family Law Practice of David A. Montgomery”. Glad I did. I was panicking on the first phone call to David but his kind calm manner and patience put me at ease right away. Plus, I only had to travel 2 times throughout the year of closing. The second trip would not have been needed but there was a difficult bank. David’s guidance made my job as executor easy and stress free. He was very quick to answer emails. I also appreciated that he kept information and directions short and pointed. I highly recommend David A. Montgomery and would gladly have him as my attorney again.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Kay king
When my husband and I needed some estate planning and probate work done, we searched the internet and came up with David Montgomery. We went to our first meeting with high hopes of finding the right person who would understand our needs, address our concerns, and protect our interests all while charging a fair price. David has not only fulfilled our hopes, but exceeded our expectations. My husband has worked with more than 20 attorneys over the years and his biggest complaint has always been the responsiveness he has gotten. That is not the case with David. He might not have the answer right away, but he gets back to you in an expected amount of time and keeps you informed of his findings. That is huge to us! Our estate planning was not easy, but David dug deep with his research and, after every stone was turned, offered us the options he thought were best and we could not have agreed more. During probate, he exhibited professional and knowledgeable experience and knew how to interact effectively with the judge and other attorneys to get the best possible outcome for everyone involved, not just us.
We feel that David's high morals and strong Christian beliefs are lived out in his daily practice and makes him our first choice for an attorney. Because of our confidence in David, even though our estate and probate work is done, we have decided to keep him on as our general counsel for our personal business matters and would highly recommend him to anyone.
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11 Dec, 2023 by Leo
David was great. I hired him to write our prenup and am really happy with that decision. The prenuptial agreement was well written, thorough, and accurately reflected my intent. The price was very reasonable for a top notch attorney
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04 May, 2024 by Allen mcgill
Have referred two people to Mr. Crouse, one for a Special Needs Trust and another for a Will, Powers of Attorney and a Living Will. Mr Crouse is very knowledgeable and well versed in his profession, and takes the time to explain things in detail and answer any questions. Both clients were well pleased with his work product. Would highly recommend Mr Crouse to anyone needing estate planning. He is a credit to his profession and to Elder Law
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13 Mar, 2024 by Rebecca
Dustin was extremely helpful and caring in assisting me in dealing with my rights in terms of my parent’s end of life issues. It was a complicated situation and he helped me immensely.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Staci holt
My elderly father and I met with Mr. Crouse to discuss asset protection. We found out early in our consultation that Mr. Crouse would not be able to help us going forward, because my father lives out of state, and he would need an attorney from his state to draw up the trust.
However, Mr. Crouse still spent over an hour with us, educating us about our options. He explained everything in a way that we could comprehend. He answered all of our questions and really made sure we understood. He could have easily sent us home, but didn’t!
I highly recommend Mr. Crouse. He’s extremely knowledgeable and you can absolutely tell he is passionate about his calling.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Andre peltier
Great service and job well done thank you so much
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24 Jan, 2025 by Carol aisling
I’ve never had to use the services of an attorney before but this was a great experience. Chris Beaver is professional and amazing to work with.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Lisette gregorio
Chris took care of us and Scott made the closing very smooth. I appreciate their assistance and time.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Andre peltier
Great service and job well done thank you so much
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24 Jan, 2025 by Carol aisling
I’ve never had to use the services of an attorney before but this was a great experience. Chris Beaver is professional and amazing to work with.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Lisette gregorio
Chris took care of us and Scott made the closing very smooth. I appreciate their assistance and time.
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26 Feb, 2025 by Sylvia rasch
18 Feb, 2025 by Detail driven
Jacob F. has helped me so much! I had a big case when I was younger that he helped me with and now years later I needed to file for expungements and even though it’s been so long he was more than willing to help me. Now, while that’s a rare occasion I can attest to the compassion and support that he dedicates to his clients. If I ever run into any issues big or small I know I can depend on Jacob!
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18 Feb, 2025 by Mahala brown
Nate Ogle was amazing! He has a very commanding presence in the court room and is very respected. He spoke with my husband and I on a matter that we ended up hiring him for, he 100% got the job done and we will be going to Nate for any future issues.
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14 Sep, 2024 by Shannon harper
Ben is a man of integrity and experience. I highly recommend him and his highly respected team!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Amira rafik
I was called into court for a frivolous child support case. Jason was so skilled at handling my case. I had my initial consultation with him, and I was not disappointed. I didn't even have to see the judge, and the case was dismissed!
I would highly recommend the Barnett Law Firm to anyone that had a need for their services.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Tyler king
I had a very contentious child custody case. From day 1 Ben and his team took great care of me. In the end we got an extremely favorable outcome, due to following Ben's advice. I would recommend The Barnett Firm to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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07 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
PLEASE BE CAREFULL ABOUT SPEAKING TO THIS LAWFIRM ASK ABOUT PRICES UP FRONT . PAID $300 FOR 45 MINUTES.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Jonathan
Melanie and her team at Held Law firm were efficient and informative during my recent divorce settlement. Melanie was courteous and listened to my many questions. She seemed to be genuinely concerned about me and my situation and had good suggestions. Melanie represented me well in the proceedings and it would be easy to recommend her to someone else.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Melanie did a good job of informing me of options and acted quickly to do what she said she would do.
Difficult circumstances made tolerable by efficiency. Thank You
Made a big difference in my future.
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05 Feb, 2021 by Holly
Divorce alone is one of the most difficult things you can go through in life. And then to have your ex spouse come back later and try to take your kids away is devastating. My case was a petition to change the PRP, Britini it’s not only really good at what she does but very patient and understanding of the emotions her clients may have going through a custody battle. Britini was quite eloquent in her presentation to the court I knew exactly where to pack the punch. She did an excellent job with proving there was no material change in circumstances proved by the other side, and that my ex husband was simply trying to gain more control and that the changes he sought presented no real benefit to the child.
In the end I not only won huge but actually came out with more than I asked for, which was simply for the court to uphold the agreement currently in place. If you’re going through divorce or custody battles it’s going to be costly no matter what. With Britini you will get the experience of a seasoned attorney at a more than fair rate. If you’re looking for a family law attorney and need a real bulldog in the quart room, look no further… Britini is the one you need on your side!
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04 Feb, 2021 by G
I can't say enough good things about Britni. She truly went above and beyond on my case, making time to meet with me via FaceTime during the COVID pandemic and going out of her way to make sure I felt prepared and at ease about my case. She destroyed the other side in court and my case was a huge win. I recommend her to anyone in need of a good lawyer.
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05 Dec, 2019 by Lisa
I met Britni when I was at my lowest. I had just left my husband after a 36 year abusive marriage. She got a one year protective order for me and fought with me to obtain my divorce. She is caring and compassionate and a fighter! She treated me with respect and for once I felt safe. I highly recommend Britni, she is amazing.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Greg
Shannon Holland went out of her way to help me on a matter just outside her expertise and then referred a firm better suited to my needs. At all times she was personable and cheerful, not common traits now a days. Recommend!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Kelly
I had to retain Ms. Holland's counsel in 2016 for help with a child custody dispute. I was blown away by her kindness, her extensive knowledge of the law, and the reassurance she provided me during a pretty scary period in my life as a mother. She is a beautiful human being inside & out. She treated me with tremendous respect, was efficient & professional. I was proud to be represented by her during a meeting with my daughter's father & his attorney. Since 2016, I've had to consult her on a couple other occasions and she's remained genuinely empathetic & dedicated to my daughter's best interests. She's an inspiration & a fierce litigator & I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Holland to anyone in need of legal counsel.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Shannon was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. She guided me through the process and provided sound advice.
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20 Feb, 2025 by Seth hannah
Katie Chambers is amazing and will make the impossible possible! She will fight and fight until she gets what’s right and fair. I would hire Katie again in a heartbeat and would recommend her to anyone and everyone!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Dallas harris
Great bunch of folks to work with! I really appreciate everything Jason and his team did for me!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Savannah call
There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am for Shelby and the team at this firm! From the very first call, Shelby made me feel heard and supported during what felt like an overwhelming situation. She was always quick to respond—whether it was a call, text, or email—and even reached out after hours just to check in and make sure I was feeling okay about everything.
This was my first time dealing with a legal issue, and I was nervous about the process, but she never made me feel like my questions were a burden. She walked me through every step with kindness and patience, and her professionalism and care made such a difference. If you’re looking for someone who truly has your back, I highly recommend Shelby and this wonderful team!
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08 Nov, 2023 by Sandy
My son was called back to court when he shouldn't have been. Nobody wanted to help they were lagging trying to make trouble for him .Chelsea stepped up to the plate (unlike the original attorney). Let me tell you she got right down to Business she went above and beyond. Same day it was all cleared and done. She outdoes those expensive attorneys anyway hands down!!!!
I've never seen an attorney tackle anything the way she did. She went after it as though it were her own son and kept me posted all the way. All I can say is WOW. Now this woman deserves the title "Attorney".
She's passionate about her work and her clients. If I ever need an attorney I'm looking for Chelsea Harris!!!!!! This is a real honest review from a real person!!!
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09 Jun, 2020 by Cari
My life turned upside down 3+ years ago when the unexpected happened. Before I knew it I was talking about criminal defense and my name was attached to something I did not do. Dealing with the trauma and now the accusations were more than I could deal with on my own. Fighting for my credibility, reputation and foremost the truth was completely out of my hands. I contacted James A. H. Bell Law Firm and he immediately had his team on my case. Chelsea and the team helped me understand the foreign language of the law. I was guided, not forced into making life-altering decisions. My fears, questions, and opinions were welcome. These people did not know me and in the beginning, they did not know whether I was truly "not guilty", but even still, they treated me with such respect, and never did I feel like a criminal. On many occasions, Chelsea went out of their way to fight for me when I felt I could not pick myself off the floor. She sat with me and cried with me and was fully invested in my case. She took it personally, it wasn't just a job to her! She may look like a cute, petite lady but I promise you she is a firecracker that I would not want to reckon with!! Today, I stand in freedom due to extensive research, interviews, knowledge, and the wisdom to fight for the laws I did not even know I had. Sometimes, crap just happens. It may be due to your own actions or just a curveball that life hands you but I can promise that you will NEVER have a more committed lawyer on your side than Chelsea and her team! I literally owe them my life!
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15 Jan, 2019 by Carol
Our case was a very difficult and complex situation crossing a state line. We contacted the James A. H. Bell Law Firm regarding a criminal defense for our son. He turned the case over to his associates, one of which was Chelsea Harris. Chelsea gave it her all for almost 15 months to give my mentally ill son the opportunity to properly defend himself against totally false charges that were made against him in Tennessee. She fully and thoroughly researched related cases and prior rulings in order to help give him this opportunity. We have had contact with her in the evening and on weekend days showing that she has worked long and hard hours on his behalf, not just during customary office hours. There were numerous court appearances that required a lot of drive time for her as well. She shows a genuine interest and caring for her client. The case was finally dismissed and we have Chelsea to thank for this. I will be eternally grateful to her for this and I would definitely recommend her without hesitation for anyone needing a great defense attorney.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer patterson
Justin Bell represented me in a case where I was charged with felony possession. I was offered a felony plea, but Mr. Bell held a preliminary hearing and fought very hard for me because he knew I was not guilty of what I was charged with. After the hearing, the Class-B Felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. I've never seen another attorney get that done. If you are over-charged with a crime you are not guilty of, I would definitely recommend having Mr. Bell represent you because he gets results.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Kenna martin
He answered the phone being very rude. He was very unprofessional I would never recommend him
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17 May, 2024 by Rebecca cook
I was the victim of a domestic assault and was physically injured as a result. however, I was falsely accused and charge with a class D felony for as legally providing a false report to the investigator officer. But Mr. Bell believed in me and fought for me and my rights and having a hearing general sessions court. After question the officer on the stand, Mr. Bell was able to establish that any information given to the officer claimed was not true, had nothing to do with whether or not the assault occurred. So the judge dismissed the case right on the spot. If you want a good lawyer, one that really kind, intelligent and Works fast Mr. Bell is your man!
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18 Sep, 2015 by Elizabeth
Heather Inman is the most professional yet compassionate attorney out there. She fought really hard in my child custody case and always made time to answer my questions even if it was after hours. She really gets to know you on a personal level.
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23 Feb, 2023 by Robert
I have used Bob Edwards on many cases. He has always done me a great job. Robert Edwards is THE BEST
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25 Oct, 2019 by Ashley
Jeremy was great in my divorce won everything plus some I reccomend Jeremy to anyone who is needing a divorce or anything with child custody he is up on his job and gets it done right.
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20 Apr, 2023 by Annette
My husband and I contacted Nicole Uribe after we married to complete an adoption case. It was simple enough to get a consultation, comparable price, and she explained each step in the case. Any additional fee that came up was explained. Nicole is personable and she made sure we knew where we were in our case with time to plan ahead to attend court. Today we finalized our adoption and we could not be happier with whom we chose to champion our case. Thanks Nicole Uribe.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Kayla
Lyndsey was fantastic! I have zero complaints with choosing her to help me with my divorce. She was very kind and helpful and always got back to me quickly.
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05 Oct, 2017 by Michele
Molly did an excellent job defending my son after having fired a mediocre atty who was not prepared. What a relief after what we'd been through already! She got us the best outcome that was possible for our situation, was on time and prepared even though this was all spur of the moment. We will use her again if we ever do need an atty again. Thanks again Molly.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Erica is one of the best lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only does she excel greatly at her profession but she also has a high sense of integrity and is very adept at her work. Anyone who has given her a bad review is obviously out of spite and talking out of their rear. 5/5 Would definitely recommend
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11 Jan, 2025 by Pamela smith
31 Oct, 2023 by Deborah smith
Only talked on the phone but they were very nice.
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29 Aug, 2023 by Sheila kelso
I am impressed with Todd Moody and staff he kept me up on all matters and resolved my Mother’s Lawsuit. I highly recommend him and his staff very honest and respectful towards me and my family. He sets the stage for a powerhouse Lawyer and staff. Thank you Highly Recommended
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08 Feb, 2025 by Penny breeding
07 Feb, 2025 by Jessica brower
Did a great job, so thankful for all the work put into the case! Great at keeping us updated on everything. Very friendly. Would definitely recommend 100%
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05 Feb, 2025 by Crystal swearingen
Garrett is by far one of the nicest attorneys I’ve ever met and I deal with attorneys daily for a living. He is super responsive, respectful, and he doesn’t give up on you or ghost you like so many when something shinier comes along. I would recommend him to anyone needing a personal injury attorney.
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20 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Personable and professional, clearly explained process and was transparent regarding legal fees. Responsive, worked to streamline communication, kept things simple and minimized costs by being efficient and focused on progress. Recommend without any reservations.
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21 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Luke just ran rings around my ex's lawyer. This guy knows the law inside and out. More importantly, though, he worked with me so that I understood what was going on, and he gave a damn about what was going on with my kids. They're not kidding -- they put family first. This guy's the real deal.
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17 Nov, 2018 by Emily
Prepare for a long detailed review. They are worth it!!
During my long exstensive divorce...I found my circumstances were much more severe than expected. I reached out to a retired Knox Co. judge informing him my current dissatisfaction with the enigma of my case and previous attorney (NOT Luke) and the outcome of our future. The judge encouraged and edified Luke Shipley as the best and most qualified to get me the outcome that I needed for the protection and safety of my daughter and I. I hired Luke who at the time was with another law firm. I quickly noticed he was doing far more exstensive research, work, and digging then what was recorded on the law firms invoices. The complexity of my case was heart breaking and confusing. The paper trail alone was enough to cause high anxiety but not for Luke. Luke was fluid in his knowledge and expertise of the law able to stay ahead of the opponent. He brought in his powerful wife who was able to shed light on the criminal aspect of the case. I was beyond thankful when Luke and Megan began their own practice. By this time, Luke had already fixed the mess the previous attorney had made and began helping me undo all the emotional and mental control from my ex by shedding light on the truth and going to bat for me. He defended me, my daughter, and the law. Luke and Megan's code of ethics and financial practices are honest, hard working, and for the good of their clients. No one wants to go through the pain and loss of divorce...but when you do, it's GOOD to have attorneys who fight for you, listen to you, and understand you. Luke stayed balanced, informative, and was able to look at every angle to see what would protect us and secure our future while doing what was honorable and right according to the laws of TN. If I ever need an attorney again...Luke Shipley and Megan Swain will always be the attorneys I go with, recommend, and forever respect. Thank you both so much for the peace you've given to this mama's heart. I'm eternally grateful. It you need an attorney, no question...Hire "Shipley & Swain." They will care for you selflessly and respect your money. They will do what's best for you and all involved for your case.
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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.
