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27 Sep, 2024 by Lauri miro
12 Sep, 2024 by Nathan k
They were very helpful and explained everything throughout the process of setting up our trust. They also assisted and answered other questions that came up after we set it up. Very responsive, professional and personable service. We highly recommend them!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Amy ruehlow
27 Sep, 2024 by Lauri miro
12 Sep, 2024 by Nathan k
They were very helpful and explained everything throughout the process of setting up our trust. They also assisted and answered other questions that came up after we set it up. Very responsive, professional and personable service. We highly recommend them!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Amy ruehlow
24 Mar, 2024 by George hesselberg
Rick Coad has been a patient, prompt, thorough and persistent representative of my interests in an insurance claim. He was reasonable and logical in his assessment. I was more than satisfied with his skills and the conclusion of the case. I would hire him again in a minute!
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23 Feb, 2024 by Tom darlington
23 Feb, 2024 by Bobby wrobleski
Richard Coad handled a matter for me that was unique, complex, and 20 years old. Something that had been nagging at me for two decades. Over the course of that time I had consulted with other attorneys and none of them had a clue on how to handle it, or had even heard of a situation like mine. When I reached out to Mr. Coad for guidance on my case he was in a remote area vacationing with his family but still took the time to respond. He seemed highly intrigued by my case and showed a genuine interest in getting me the result I wanted. Not only did he succeed in an honestly impressive manner, but he was always easy to reach and kept me well informed every step of the way. An outstanding attorney with a big heart and a pretty good sense of humor too.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Kathy
I consulted Attorney Kiefer regarding a referral. While my estate planning issue was outside of his area of practice, I value his opinion and legal knowledge. Tim quickly provided helpful referrals for other local lawyers who practice estate planning and whom he knew personally.
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09 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Tim did a great job with my case,was very honest and affordable. He actually managed to drop all the charges and dismiss the case.
Highly recommend !
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08 May, 2024 by Karrel
Quick response from Lawyer. This is one of important part of consultation. I got all information in same day with all clarification.
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25 Nov, 2020 by Timothy
Ethan is an outstanding attorney - his obvious competence and friendly demeanor put me at ease in a fraught first-time home buying experience. Ethan patiently offered clear answers to my many questions, and was far more generous with his time than I deserved. When I next need an expert attorney, he will be my first call.
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08 Oct, 2020 by Matt
I have a unique situation that I wasn't sure that I could find a beneficial outcome to. The risk I was facing was paramount to my life stability. I wasn't sure what my options were so I looked for counsel. After a few moments of Ethan's time, I had the answers I needed to take decisive action to protect myself. He was very forthcoming about all the positive and negative aspects of the situation, which allowed me to make an educated decision immediately.
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19 Jan, 2019 by Shane
Ethan is every person’s dream attorney: knowledgeable, competent, and trustworthy. He clearly explained my legal liabilities in a tenant-landlord dispute, recommended a plan to handle the situation, and went out of his way to make sure every detail of my case was thoroughly addressed. Importantly, Ethan let me know when certain legal services would be costly and unlikely to provide much benefit, saving me a significant amount of money and stress. Ethan is an excellent lawyer, and I strongly recommend him.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Taylor
Andrea handled a divorce case for me. She did a fantastic job and made what was a very difficult and emotional time in my life much less stressful. She answered all questions I had and made sure the entire divorce process went smoothly. In the end, she did everything I needed/wanted her too. I cannot recommend her enough for any legal issues you may have.
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23 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
Our family was dealing with a very sensitive situation. After meeting with a few attorneys, it was clear that Attorney Winder was the one we could trust. Her knowledge, experience, character and sincerity separated her from the rest. Expectations, options and strategy were clear and realistic. Our family never doubted the decision we made working with Attorney WInder and she would be our fist call if we ever needed legal representation again.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Joseph
I was fortunate that Andrea Winder represented me.
They charged me with 2 offenses, one of which is serious enough to tarnish my reputation and threaten my employment. Thankfully, within 24 hours of describing the case to Andrea, she had negotiated a reduced charge, the more serious charge dropped.
I had hoped this would be the outcome but was reluctant to believe that this best outcome could be realized. Thankfully, I was wrong. Andrea had the charge reduced to a minor ticket, and even more remarkable accomplished this goal within record time.
If you need a lawyer who is willing and able to go to bat for you, is a talented lawyer and negotiator I strongly recommend Andrea Winder.
Thank you.
Joseph Lynch
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26 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Nicholas Gansner acted very quickly in response to allegations about 2nd degree sexual assault from 3 and a half years prior to the report. He took his time to gather all of the facts and spoke with the investigating detective on my behalf. Nick kept me updated and informed about the strategies he was taking while working with the detective. I left all of the work to him and he took care of everything. Ultimately, the case never made it past the initial investigation and was never forwarded to the district’s attorney’s office. He was nearly always available by call, text, or email—even responding late at night sometimes. If he was not immediately available, he would reply as soon as he could. I would highly recommend hiring attorney Gansner.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Olivia
Attorney Gansner worked on my very difficult and emotionally draining case for around 2 years. My confidence in him NEVER wavered! When I had things to say, he really listened and took note. He remembered and made use of pertinent information I had given him. I never felt like he left important details out that I would later need to correct myself. In addition, I noticed that he is extremely well respected by judges and commissioners as well as his peers which is very comforting to witness. Attorney Gansner even worked well with the opposing attorneys and always played fairly but very firmly. He was truly an answer to prayer!
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11 Nov, 2015 by Dan
Both Nick Gasnser and Jessica Nicholson are excellent defense attorneys. I was recently represented by Nick Gansner who goes above and beyond to protect your rights. His legal knowledge as well as his communication skills is top-notch. He won’t leave you hanging alone as many attorneys do as soon as they receive your money. He is also well respected by DA’s because of his reputation as a former DA. I gave him five stars out of five stars, and believe me, I am a critical person; especially when it comes to attorneys. You can’t go wrong hiring Nick Gansner.
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28 Jan, 2019 by Cory
I was confused and devastated with what my ex put me through regarding our son. I did my research and decided to go with Cordell and Cordell! Everyone I met at the firm was courteous, professional, and extremely helpful! Elisabeth was who I ended up going with from the firm, and I couldn’t have been any more satisfied! She is extremely knowledgeable! She is very down to earth. Being my first experience with attorneys, I had no clue what I was doing. She was very understanding and helpful throughout the entire process, and even after!! She(and my son) is worth every penny and more! Highly reccomended to any parent out there, but especially anyone who feels hopeless, as I did! Unfortuantly, I feel my battle won’t be over anytime soon, but I am a lot more comfortable and confident, that a great father and an amazing little boy will not be torn apart unnecessarily, as long as I have Elisabeth Fletcher representing me!
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26 Dec, 2017 by Nathan
Elisabeth worked nonstop to ensure my needs we're met. She was very responsive to my queries and provided amazing support throughout this process. I am lucky to have had someone who cares so much for her clients as my attorney.
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22 Dec, 2017 by Greg
In short, Elisabeth has been wonderful to work with. Her approach is to be a concerned listener first which puts both of us in a better position to negotiate without compromising on the issues I feel most strongly about. She is always thinking ahead on what will need to happen next in the legal process and is very diligent in keeping me posted on what is going on with my case.
Being such a good listener also has the advantage that she is often the 'calm' in my 'storm' when I am experiencing high levels of anxiety with what is happening between myself and the other party.
Making me feel like I am not alone in my fight for my rights as a Father is why I chose Cordell & Cordell and I also feel that, with Elisabeth, they have provided me with one of the best partners within their legal team to represent me.
Greg
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17 Feb, 2020 by Rob
Rhonda has represented me for quit some time in my family court battles. She is honest, detailed, compassionate and worked to minimize costs. I appreciate her and her team for the commitment of representation! Would highly recommend!
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26 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
I recently ended a long-term marriage and -in so doing- found myself slowly being pulled towards a contested divorce trial. My ex-spouse and I found difficulties in reaching a compromise and she was in no hurry to move the divorce forward. Further, I had little knowledge of the divorce laws, the legal processes of divorce or the court system in general as this was my first exposure to a trial. I was really out of my comfort zone in such matters.
I came to Rhonda not only for her AAML certification and extensive divorce experience but, in researching her background further, I found that she had a good record for moving cases forward. Her and her team did an absolutely outstanding job. They moved my case forward -and to its completion- expediently and with a good outcome. Further, they dealt with me with patience, understanding and great communication so that I came to a comfort level as the case progressed.
Divorce is clearly difficult and challenging for a number of reasons. I am very grateful that Rhonda was so adept at dealing with the legal aspects of my divorce so that I was able to deal with the other challenges that came with this process.
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06 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Attorney Hazen is highly professional, very knowledgeable about divorce law and I feel she always had my best interests at heart. I hired Attorney Hazen to help me during my post-divorce period. Attorney Hazen helped me deal with a custody battle. Sometimes it's difficult to know how knowledgeable an attorney is, unless you see your attorney in action. I had many opportunities to witness Attorney Hazen's knowledge, when she successfully argued my case in front of the judge. I highly recommend Attorney Haze for divorce and custody issues.
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04 Sep, 2022 by Ian
I was referred to Tony because of jurisdictional complexities and the potential for high conflict in my divorce case. Tony’s skill and experience ensured quick resolution with an excellent financial outcome. I live in North Central Wisconsin and apart from one hearing, everything was handled remotely.
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21 May, 2021 by Aari
I found Attorney Anthony Menting to be knowledgeable about the laws and court cases relating to divorce and family law. He is very much an advocate for his client getting their fair share from the divorce. He is also a strong proponent of a clean break with no future fighting or squabbles. I have recommended him to others going through a difficult divorce.
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11 Jun, 2020 by Michelle
Tony represented me in a highly contested divorce including complicated financial matters. I found him to be patient, thoughtful, strategic, and knowledgeable. As an attorney myself with knowledge of the law and process, this adds a dimension to the representation. Tony navigated this well. I am pleased with the results and refer clients to Tony whenever I can.
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04 Mar, 2018 by Tom
When I became involved in a complicated eviction case I turned to Patricia for help.
She spent a lot of time educating me and I found her extremely compassionate and very knowledgeable. She is a marvelous attorney and person and I do not hesitate to recommend her services.
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05 Feb, 2017 by Sue
She was intelligent, sensitive, efficient and affordable. Would definitely hire her again! I had a great outcome.
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04 Feb, 2017 by Billy bob
Ms. Hammel represented me in several cases involving alleged civil ordinance violations filed by the state, all of which were eventually dismissed by the court or the prosecutor. We fought the law and WE won!
She has also drafted end-of-life documents, including a will, living trust and power of attorney for health care. I was well-satisfied.
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21 Mar, 2023 by Yuriy
Jennifer represented me in a complex case that had OWI (4th), Operating while Revoked(due to alcohol/refusal), Operating with Restricted Controlled substance (4th) and Felony Bail Jumping. I was facing a lifetime DL revocation and a lengthy jail term on OWI(4th) alone. Jennifer worked very hard on my case and went above and beyond to get the best possible outcome. OWI(4th), OAR, OWRCS(4th) and Felony Bail Jumping all got dropped! I am very happy that I chose Jennifer Miller as my attorney. I would recommend Jennifer as professional and hard working lawyer that will actually fight for you.
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21 Nov, 2021 by Cj
Jennifer gave me the best experience I could have with an attorney, given the circumstances. She always stayed in contact with me, even after the final court date to check in and make sure everything was going well for me. She fought for me to make sure I was not convicted of a felony I was wrongly accused of, and showed that she truly had my best interests in mind.
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30 Jul, 2021 by Stephanye
Jennifer is a great lawyer I’ve hired her twice and each time it was a good outcome I highly recommend hiring her she’s always on top of things and she gets down to business.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Brian
Stephen did a fantastic job for me with my divorce and has given me great legal advice. He was very helpful, understanding, and directed me on the best way to resolve our issues in a amicable manner. I have referred him and have heard great things from those people. I would highly recommend Stephen.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I felt very comfortable with Stephen Bielke and my case was handled with a high degree of professionalism. He was informative , organized, and very timley with all the events that happened in my divorce case. I would highly recommend Mr. Bielke and would certainly use him again if I needed another attorney.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Beilke is very knowledgeable on Wisconsin family law, and so when I asked him questions, he had ready answers, which saves time. He was aware that I had a tight budget and so he let me know what I could do on my own vs. paying him to do, to help keep my costs down. He was also unflappable when the opposing party became contentious.
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13 Apr, 2016 by Sesha
Jessa, Nicholson was an Amazing lawyer!! She was hardworking and extremely dedicated. I was fortunate enough to receive her as a referral by a larger firm who thought she was the best to handle my child custody case. I not only won, but gained more than expected. Honest &professional.
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12 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Jessa is amazing. My family called her office when I caught my last case, and she was willing to come and visit me in the jail. I was accused of multiple charges, distribution, a shooting, and also facing revocation for violating my probation. Jessa fought for me the entire way, including my trial, where I was found NOT GUILTY! My revocation was dropped for an ATR of time served and now I'm back in the world where I belong. If I ever catch another case, Jessa is going to be my first call.
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23 Jul, 2014 by Post your review anonymously
Jessa is wonderful! I trust her completely! I have a great deal of respect for her, just like she treats me. No matter what the situation is, I know she's fighting for me till the end!
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31 Mar, 2016 by Sharon
Attorney Ver Hoeve, was a meticulous and dedicated counselor. He intently listened to all my input, and details of my case. He took into consideration how I felt, and thoroughly discussed my potential options, on how to proceed. His representation was professional and I was absolutely satisfied with his legal performance. He always arrived prepared, and always on time. He kept my best interest in mind, through every step of the legal process. I would highly recommend Charlie Ver Hoeve, to everyone; especially, if you are looking for a lawyer who cares more about getting justice for you, than he does about getting money from you.
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09 Jul, 2013 by Dave
Mr. Ver Hoeve was very professional and thorough when working on my case. He was prepared for each court appearance. I depended on and was pleased with his advice. Mr. Ver Hoeve had expertly prepared and researched all the necessary documentation including interviewing relevant people important to my case. Mr. Ver Hoeve was also very helpful assisting me with information and referrals regarding other legal issues.
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09 Sep, 2012 by Merrill
Charles A Ver Hoeve is an excellent compassionate attorney. He is always available and is meticulous and diligent gathering facts. Charles gives his time to defend his clients and spends hours poring over the case details. i really liked his understanding and professionalism. Charles knows the laws and memorizes every case number and leaves no stone unturned. i highly recommend Charles A Ver Hoeve.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Jenny
Hiring Attorney Dan Evans to represent me in my divorce was one of the best decisions I've made. Dan is very organized and thorough. He remembered everything I told him pertaining to my case, leading up to the trial. Dan was very prompt in returning phone calls and forwards information pertaining to my case as soon as he gets it. Dan was exceptional in court. He cares about his clients and I now consider him a friend. Thank you Dan, for helping me get my life back!
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17 Nov, 2013 by Kevin
Working with Dan was such a great experience. He has exceptional focus and attention to detail. We hired Dan for legal advice about a municipal issue, and hiring Dan enabled us to accomplish what we set out to do. Additionally Dan was quick to respond and clear and straightforward about his rates. We felt we received a lot of value for our dollar. We highly recommend Dan for your legal needs.
Thanks Dan!
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03 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Evans represented me in a difficult divorce. He did a great job in proving my ex-spouse's real income (he was self employed) and getting me the support I needed. He was very convincing to the judge and really did a good job in questioning witnesses, including my ex. He was also very responsive to my calls and emails when I had questions about my case.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Carolyn
I was referred to Attorney David Makovec in December 2014, because I needed help to draft up and file a QDRO after my divorce. His prices are very reasonable, he is very knowledgeable at what he does, and he is friendly and he made me feel at ease and no worries at our first meeting. He always kept me informed as the process of filing the QDRO went on & he was there for me to answer questions when it came to any communication between my ex-husband's company lawyer.
I would definately use Mr. Makovec again in the future if I needed to and will refer all family and friends to him as well!! Keep up the great work David Makovec!! and Thank You for all your hard work!!
Carolyn
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14 Mar, 2015 by John
I am so thankful for the good work David did for me in my divorce/family law case. Not only did I retain joint custody and placement of my children, I received a new lease on life. I cannot tell you the personal hell that this case would have been if not for David's assistance. I constantly worried about the future, until I retained David. Today I have a strong relationship with my children and a renewed outlook for the future. This sincerely could have not been accomplished without David's selfless work done in my case. I found him to be professional, down to earth, personable, and an expert diplomat. It goes without saying this could have gone much worse for me, and thanks to David's assistance I received the best possible outcome.
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27 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Dave Makovec is one of the best attorneys of law. This guy works for great prices and will stick it out as long as it takes and he treats you just like family and will help in any way. I was dealing with crap i had nothing to have a part of for the last 4,5 years cuz of people blaming me and its all done! Yay lol saves me my charger fund! Might be a bar night in the coming lol. Your card will be saved...not saying ill be getting in to any thing else tho lol.
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07 Apr, 2018 by Lori
Mark has been an extremely valuable resource for our members. His ability to quickly find answers, assist in delicate situations, and train our customers to ask the right questions and have the correct legal information has been more helpful than anyone could express. We feel blessed to be able to access his information and contacts. He has specifically helped members on employee issues, writing agreements, reviewing contracts and managing difficult customers, just to name a few of the specifics. We work with him currently and hope to work with him on future projects.
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15 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Mark represented me in a matter where I sued a crooked property manager for mismanaging my property, causing damage, and losing my tenants.
If you have plenty of time for things to work out, Hazelbaker is a fantastic attorney!! Very smart, very knowledgeable, very interested in both your interests and doing things right. And frankly, for most legal cases, the best way to proceed is unrushed. He's not billing you for time passed. But the passage of time softens the stubbornness of your opponent, makes them more reasonable, and allows more relevant facts to come to the surface and sort themselves out. So he does not rush things through. If you are not in a huge hurry (like you have a year or more) you'll get great service, a much better outcome, and pay a very reasonable price!!
Plus, he's a super-nice guy, easy to talk to, knows your case, knows the law, explains everything to you, honors your wishes, and is willing to go to the matt for you.
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14 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Rachel Mielke did an excellent job from the first introductory appointment to the final settlement. Very knowledgeable and took time to research options and explain her justification for her recommendations. Communication was timely. Dedicated. Have recommended her to friends and colleagues.
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07 Jan, 2015 by Megan
Rachel impressed me with her knowledge, thought process, delivery, communication and professionalism. In trial, the judge even commented on how articulate she was.
On top of being incredibly professional and intelligent she has a very kind heart and a wonderful sense of understanding the components of the human emotions, especially with children. I can not recommend her enough, especially if you need an attorney for the best interest of your children.
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18 Nov, 2018 by Dwayne
She guide me in my adjustment of status , she is awesome , she give free consultation , her fees are reasonable , she even got a payment plan , she is the best thanks Sarah .
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12 Dec, 2015 by Ulises
I came to Sara to help me apply for daca and my work permit. She was very easy to get ahold of and works with your schedule. Her fees are very very reasonable, and she worked with me on a payment plan. Everything went smooth and I was kept in the loop through the whole process. and plan on using Sara's services further my path to citizenship.
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01 May, 2015 by Ben
Throughout my 2 related cases Tom has pointed a straight and true direction while backing me up as his client wholeheartedly and with a personal touch. A very good experience through difficult times. Highly recommended.
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28 Jun, 2022 by Emily
We worked with Theresa to draft and negotiate our legal contract in a surrogacy arrangement. From the initial consultation all the way through the completion of legal clearance, Theresa was an absolute pleasure to work with.
When our clinic provided a timeline by which legal clearance was needed, Theresa went out of her way to ensure the contract was negotiated and signed by all parties with plenty of time. She was quick to respond to our calls and emails, and made herself available to us as needed to meet our timeline.
Theresa was able to confidently discuss and explain the intricacies of the laws and the contract in a way that made it so easy for us to understand what we were agreeing to. She answered our questions and made sure we felt comfortable and supported in the decisions we were making.
From start to finish she was knowledgeable, friendly, kind, and professional. We would highly recommend working with Theresa.
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20 Mar, 2014 by Ryan
Dawn is a tenacious, yet personable attorney who has relentlessly fought on my behalf throughout my divorce. She has very knowledgeable partners to consult with, which easily offsets any lack of experience as a newly appointed BAR attorney. My child's safety and welfare have been the central focus of my divorce, and Dawn has been extremely pro-active in this regard. She has been fighting against a much older, more experienced, well respected attorney, who was induced to withdraw from representing my wife due to Dawn's organized presentation of the circumstantial facts. I couldn't have found a better fit to accommodate the circumstances of my divorce.
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27 Sep, 2010 by Genna
Shayna was very knowledge and thorough and executed our documentatin very quickly. She did an excellent job.
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07 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Quinlan has been working as my attorney for my divorce case for a year and a half. I am so thankful that I chose her for my attorney. She not only has a SUPERB AVVO rating, but she is SUPERB in my eyes, also! If you are looking for a great attorney to represent you, please look no further than Kathleen Quinlan!
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05 Jan, 2017 by Byroncooper
Ruth Knows her stuff and took the lead in what was a very hostile situation at first. In the first meeting with the Judge she took over the situation and wrote up the whole proposal while the other lawyer just kind of stood there and watched. I was very emotional and she kept me focused. fortunately I am in the process of reconciling but I know if I had to go the distance it would be with Ruth!!!
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27 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
While working, I was in a major vehicle accident. I contacted Carrie and consulted with her that I wasn't at fault but I was worried that the injuries would leave me unable to go back to my work as a professional driver. I am a single mother with my work as my sole income to take care of my child, pay mortgage and bills. Carrie helped me at so many different levels giving me the peace of mind she had my back and she was going to see me through this with the best outcome possible. I needed someone I could trust because this was my lively hood and I wanted to keep what I worked so hard to get. I was at risk to loose my job and my home! Carrie was right with me all the way informing me what to expect and the best way to go about prioritizing what needed to get done and when to get it done. I was pleased we accomplished what we had set out to do from the beginning. I was able to get back to work, get a settlement and keep my home! I hope I never have to experience this kind of trauma again, but if I do I will contact Carrie again.
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20 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Would recommend Gary for handling Family Traffic and Touchy Divorces issues. His years of experience in these cases and his courtroom professionalism pay off. If you need someone that will hold your hand or need an emotional connection, He is not the Lawyer for you. I am not saying he is insensitive, he is preparing you for court. If you need the Job done and with no-nonsense open and shut he is your guy.
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03 Feb, 2009 by Anonymous
Lynn knows family law better than anyone. That's all she does. And she believes in what's best for the child. I would recommend her to anyone.
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23 Feb, 2015 by R. matty
I am a former client of Daphne Webb and want to endorse her as an excellent divorce attorney. Her training, skill, knowledge, and experience has made the difference for me and it will make the difference for you too. Her skills far surpasses other attorneys in her field of work, without a doubt. No one can review a situation, sort out the more important facts and act on them as she can. She is sensitive to client’s needs and situations, along with the nature of her field and respects the fact that it is a hard time for most involved. Her processes confirm that sensitivity, proceeding with care and planned results. She isn’t the least expensive attorney, but she is the most affordable with all that she provides her clients and her accomplished results.
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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.
