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27 Jul, 2022 by Gina
Angel is fantastic at what she does. One of the best mediators around, and also a creative, smart lawyer who gets it done. Highly recommend.
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06 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Did not respond. Did not know about my case, despite my providing information. Never knew where my file was. Did not follow through. Asked questions to the defendant that she did not know the answers to. Seemed to have an inappropriate relationship with my ex when she had to have a "Private conference" with him. Never recouped any of the money clearly entitled to me. Ended up having to fire her and hire another lawyer. Wasted time and money. Wish I knew she had legal charges filed for actions she took when out drinking with a male client of hers. If you are a male, she will work with you just fine, from what I hear. But, if you are an honest working female with a pay check, she will just take your money.
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21 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Angel knew what to expect at every turn while handling my divorce. Her experience in anticipating what the parties will do and a deep understanding of how the judges would react helped me exit my marriage without surprises and get my desired outcome. She is direct, which is what you want. I recommend her to anyone I know that needs help with family law issues.
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11 Nov, 2015 by Charles
Mr. Treadaway is slow, disorganized and lacking in attention to details. I hired Mr. Treadaway to assist in a divorce proceeding. He asked twice for monies which I paid. There was no verbal or written contract outlining how or when monies would be paid or any accounting of those funds. I was under the assumption that if further $ was required it would be brought up at that point. 5 months later after the divorce I received an invoice for a rather significant sum of money. Further review showed the invoice to have a $1000 "error". I contacted Mr. Treadaway by email regarding the invoice and was afforded NO response. 5 months later her turned my invoice over for collections to another attorney and demanded interest that was never disclosed.
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29 Sep, 2013 by Anthony
Well I recommend Mr Michael Treadaway to anybody in need of a great attorney well I said I would let y'all know what happened at court on the 27th well I prayed on it and god sent me Mr Treadaway and he got me off he let me know what he was gonna try do and what could happen the good and the bad but after speaking with him I trusted him with my life thanks for really caring your rating should be much higher god bless you
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27 Aug, 2013 by Anthony
I'm out on bail and i had been stressing over my up coming trial but after meeting with Michael i can finally sleep again his knowledge of the law and experience made me feel more at ease cause im the only working in my Family. Well i go back to court on sep 27 but god is good and I'm confident in
Attorney and i thank you in advance I'll keep y'all posted
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12 Jul, 2024 by Amanda tuggle
Gil might be a great lawyer. I had a mediation for legitimation case in Cobb and he where the state appointed him for our mediator and he was completely biased and stereotyped me. My child’s father couldn’t spell our child’s name correctly but he stereotyped me as someone who didn’t want my child to see their dad. He gave legal advice but claimed he wasn’t. He withheld information and made it clear he was advocating for my child’s father not what’s best for my daughter. Mediation felt like a boy’s club. He left many holes in our agreement, made many judgemental comments to me, and dismissed every one of my concerns. I would give my experience 0/10 but google makes me pick at least one star. He’s not the type of person who realizes these are real people’s lives we are talking about. It’s all a paycheck to him.
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05 Oct, 2023 by Creston jones
15 Jul, 2021 by Karen luckie
Gil Howard ,executed my and my husbands will 6 years ago. Recently my husband passed away on June 15th 2021. I assumed with them doing the process and the state of affairs left by my husband, I thought I may have been able to get a consultation . Instead they wanted the 1250.00 retainer fee plus 300.00 dollars an hour. I am getting over breast cancer and funds very limited. I was in a bind and had a question about probate. John was able to see me, I wasn’t even there an hour, and was charged 300.00 which I really could not afford. What has happened to old fashioned free consultation and just not in it strictly for the money very disappointed.
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24 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Money hungry law firm. Our initial consultation was a waste of money. We were quoted an initial deposit and escrow fee which barely lasted a couple weeks. The emails from the firm were asking for more money with very little information. The home check they said we wouldn’t need cost us $250 because the judge said otherwise. They sent my husband to a fingerprinting facility that couldn’t even do that right. They failed and their staff couldn’t even figure it out. Waste of money and time spent trying to get that sorted. They couldn’t even show up to our court date on time. The after adoption instructions were basically figure it out yourself. We of course had to pay for that lack of information. I would never recommend them to my worst enemy. Don’t waste your time or money on them. It only stresses you out and ruins the experience.
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15 Dec, 2020 by Daniyar
I am glad I contacted your law firm for my legal needs. My expectations were met during this stressful time for me and my family. A special thank you to my paralegal Viktor Katkalov who was very attentive and patient. Highly recommend!
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22 Dec, 2016 by V
I have known Mary for quite a while and have worked with her on community improvement initiatives. Due to Mary's passion and commitment to doing the right thing and making her community a better place to work, live and play, I strongly recommend her.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
He was kind enough to respond to a question about bankruptcy, which was very helpful.
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21 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Casey did everything he could to help me with my legal problems regarding my house and foreclosure. Our family has even used him since for traffic tickets and having our wills drawn up. We have already referred a number of family members and friends to him that have also had great experiences with him. We will continue to recommend him to anyone we know that needs an attorney!
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31 Jul, 2008 by Anonymous
Has been booted off Hyatt Legal Services due to client complaints. Did NOTHING in my case resulting in default judgment and garnishment. Never returned a call. Opposing counsel and the court didn't even know I had a lawyer. Case could have been dismissed had he done ANYTHING. Blamed everything on his "paralegals." I only rated him a 1 because there was no zero.
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05 Sep, 2023 by Not trying to get sued
In my opinion she took my case based on the money she could make and who the litigious opposing council was. She first didn’t want to take my case but when I came back 6 to 8 months later, she heard who the opposing council was and she had a change of heart. I don’t feel she represented my interests, just hers. I was in the middle of an emotional divorce and didn’t have the wherewithal to really evaluate what was happening.
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27 Feb, 2016 by Doug
After several paid interviews of divorce attorneys, I chose Leah Zammit. She represented me through the most difficult situation in my life to date. Her knowledge and experience helped me beyond any reference I could ever offer. Thank you Leah!
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25 Feb, 2016 by Ashley
Leah is fabulous! She really does connect with your personal story and really goes all end when she knows what is the best in every situation. She is a bull dog in court! I will always be grateful for her and making my situation a million times better then what it was! So yes hire her if you have a matter that needs to be changed she is awesome!
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28 May, 2022 by Pam c.
TERRIBLE ATTORNEY!! Will take your money then work for the other side!
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30 Apr, 2022 by Kevin h
He’s always did great work for me
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26 Jan, 2022 by Dj virge
24 Dec, 2023 by Moshe stein
This Attorney Shows up for his clients if you want someone who fights for you this Lawyer is here for you Reid M Kennedy
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27 Nov, 2023 by Beyoncé mcghee
07 Mar, 2023 by Chief sovrano
Very Caring of their Clients.
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08 Aug, 2022 by Tim
My ex took my Son to Illinois on an order written by a Commissioner in Bakersfield. She wanted a $50 consult fee. I paid $25 in cash, and wrote a check for the other $25. After getting paid and putting out her cigarette, she told me, "I can't help you, take it up in Illinois." That was twenty years ago, without a visitation order, I HAVEN'T SEEN HIM SINCE. I PUT A STOP PAYMENT ON THE CHECK. JUSTICE?
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02 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Cynthia yelled at me while explaining a visitation order. I could not for the life of me understand the judges order and during a phone call she yelled at me while explaining it. She l apologized after - said she had a long day, but the experience rubbed me the wrong way. Her staff was great and always gave our family updated through email and phone calls.
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14 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Considering hiring this attorney , but her prices are doubled compared to a few other local offices…so do some research beforehand. Her personality was great and I found some helpfulness in the advice I was given. After my consult I spoke with a friend who hired her as her attorney to gain insight on what it’ll be like working with her. she said lots things would always pop up because of personal events happening in Cynthias life. Which caused delay with her case. She also mentioned her office manager just wasn’t the best to work with and always made her feel stupid for asking about her case or having any questions at all. She ended up hiring someone different.. I will mention.. I didn’t like how her office manager spoke with me when I scheduled my consult either. So extremely rude with snide comments. When I called back to see how I could pay, I was greeted with a different office staff who seemed more polite and helpful to my concerns for payment! I spoke with this lady for about 10 minutes. If I remember correctly her name was Marlene! If you call this attorneys office just make sure to speak with her! Extremely helpful!! Thought I’d leave a more recent review since I struggled to find one. Still debating hiring Cynthia. Will leave an updated review when I have decided.
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06 Nov, 2023 by David
In my experience, they overbilled me and did not advance my case. They never return calls and even hung up on me when i called. Do not you these guys, it was a huge mistake I made, I am out 10K.
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08 Apr, 2023 by Lk
After researching companies that were successful in cases against HOA's I hired this firm 5 years ago. I asked if they could win and was told yes. February 2023 we had to agree to a settlement. In that 5 years we changed lawyers 5 times. I would call to find out what was happening and was always told that they were waiting on the HOA attorney and that's just the way this worked. I ended up paying this attorney more than if I had just paid the HOA fine. There is no real update from them, unless you call their monthly bill an update. The last attorney assigned did manage to get a settlement worked out. We took it because I was not going to drag this out another 5 years and 5 different attorneys.
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19 Nov, 2021 by Keith
This is a poor start. After speaking with the staff and an attorney with the John Miller and Associates Law Firm...
I paid the non-refundable fee, agreed to the initial date and time set by the staff and called 1 hour before the appointed time to confirm the appointment.
After the appointed time and 15 min before the close of business, I called the office and was informed that the attorney was not going to make the meeting.
Summary: the attorney did not display the expected professionalism and courtesy to take the time to call to me, and provide an apology and reschedule the meeting.
This is definitely a teachable moment for John Miller and his Associates...provide timely information to the clients and be more considerate of our time.
Thank you
Keith Wright
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04 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
This lawyer strictly follows the rules and doesn't go the extra mile to assist you. She makes big promises but fails to deliver. She couldn't make time for an important interview, even though she knew about it months in advance. Instead, she said she'd listen in by phone but didn't even bother to do that. As expected, the interview didn't go well, and I had to pay thousands more to fix the mistakes she made. Save your money and avoid this lawyer; she's only in it for the money and lacks the emotional intelligence needed for the job.
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17 Feb, 2012 by Anonymous
Ms. Fielder lacks integrity and that is Key for any Lawyer when dealing with people's family, personal well being etc. I had a horrible experience with her after paying her for services. Poor communication with keeping me informed. Never returned phone calls/emails. Therefore when we arrived for court she couldnt even answer the judges questions!It was embarrasing!Not to mention she was late and forgot to file documents with the court! I paid a large amount of money as a retainer fee and she took advantage of my personal situation. Im not sure how much experience this woman has but Id say she could use about 20 more years and a few classes in humility.. DO NOT HIRE HER. When I decided to hire her I based my decision on the reviews on this site which I now know were probaly wirtten by Carrie Fiedler herself. I would hate for anyone else hoping for a good attorney to make the same mistake I did. TRUST ME! KEEP LOOKING!
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25 Mar, 2011 by Anonymous
She is good. I'd use her again and I have already recommended her to 2 people.
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30 Nov, 2018 by Lorrinne ainsworth
James Knight was my attorney for my divorce in 2003. I felt safe with him and his wife Shiela handling my ex-husband for me. James made him nervous. James was such an excellent attorney my Ex-husband used him for his next divorce after me..Ahahahahahaha
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20 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
Mr. Knight provided me wtih an outstanding service. He is very easy to communicate with, his wife Sheila, whom operates his office is more than helpful at all times. Mr. Knight and I were in court 3 days with my ex-husband and I can honestly say, I walked away an extremely happy client! The man comes highly recommended.
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03 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
This attorney was in the pocket of the other law firm! He did not fight for me or my children. He talked me into giving up much more than I should have and I wish I had not listened to him. I had no experience, so I was too trusting and believed he was there for me but he was not. I think he was very intimidated by the opposing attorney and he would just give in. The process took forever because he allowed the other firm to control everything and they wanted to drag it out. Do not use this attorney!
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02 Nov, 2021 by Roger
I cannot say enough good things about Alan. Alan employed my first wife as his paralegal for over 10 years. He then represented her in our divorce. Alan and I have been (and remained) friends for over 20 years. Several times over the years whenever I have had a problem or issue, he has been there for me with great advice and counsel based on his knowledge, diligence, and wealth of experience.
Alan has been such a friend and mentor that I knew just who I needed to call - the guy who represented my first ex wife (and got us a fair and amicable settlement for about $3,000 each). On Christmas Eve 2020, I had to deal with the kidnapping of my children by my second wife. I knew just who to call - that afternoon. Alan was with me every step of the way, getting my kids back and navigating me through a monumentally difficult and contentious divorce - against an impossibly belligerent ex wife and her overly aggressive and inflammatory counsel. He was a source of great legal advice, strategy, and personal support - all debts which I can never repay. Against seemingly impossible odds he got us to a successful settlement and allowed me to move on with my life. I enthusiastically recommend Alan for any issue you might have. He is great and a lifelong friend.
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04 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Manheim to represent me in a divorce. He asked for a 5000 retainer that would go toward fees/expenses and said I would get money back if the full retainer was not used. He assured me that if it was an easy case, it would not use up the full retainer. I met with him once and he filed paperwork with the court, but ultimately my husband and I decided not go through with a divorce, so very little "work" was done on his part. I was never provided with a billing statement showing what work was done and never received any money back after repeated requests. He would tell me I was due money back and even said he put a check in the mail, but I never received it and then he stopped returning my calls. I feel like I got scammed.
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08 Feb, 2011 by Don
EXCELLENT ATTORNEY, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE, VERRY AGRESSIVE, A LITTLE EXPENSIVE BUT, YOY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Robert stevens
I am awarding Downey & Cleveland LLP one-star because they have a partner, Attorney Sean Hynes, who has demonstrated a lack of integrity and willingness to behave judiciously when presented with an honest mistake and an offer of receipts.
In September 2024, I contracted a private chauffer, Ms. Tonya Bowers, to transport me and my family to the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Friday, 20 September 2024.
Ms. Bowers provided me a cell number for payment via Zelle. I sent a test payment of $1 on Wednesday, 17 September.
Zelle reported the number was assigned to a Sean Hynes. I reported this to Ms. Bowers with no reply. Given she provided the number and she did not reply to my notification it was assigned to a different name, I presume the cell number was correct.
It was not until after I had sent payment in the amount of $180 on Friday, 20 September that Ms. Bowers realized the number she provided was in error.
I immediately reached out to Mr. Sean Hynes via text and voice mail explaining the situation.
During my vacation, Ms. Bowers contacted, now known as, Attorney Sean Hynes on multiple occasions via text, and in person, seeking he return the confirmed received funds.
Attorney Sean Hynes feigned ignorance and hid behind a scam attempt. Clearly with receipts and a willingness to produce receipts, Attorney Sean Hynes refused to do the decent thing and return the funds.
I submitted two separate Zelle payment requests.
To my own chagrin, in a third attempt to request payment, I errored and sent him a second payment of $181.00 bringing the total of $362.00 sent to Attorney Sean Hynes in error.
Attorney Hynes' unwillingness to be neighborly and his willingness to continue to assume this is a scam is disappointing at best and theft by retaining funds submitted in error at worst.
I filed an online police report with Gwinnett Police who said because I know the identity of the suspect, online reports are not appropriate and if I want to prosecute the suspect for theft, I can call them to file a police report.
I had hoped to avoid this action, however, I am told that Attorney Sean Hynes was so rude to Ms. Bowers that after granting him greater than thirty-days to do the right thing, I fear I may be forced to pursue this line of action.
What is wrong with us as a society today?
I do not wish to believe Attorney Sean Hynes's behavior is the best representation of Downey & Cleveland LLP.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Javores ware
20 Aug, 2022 by Raj d
30 Dec, 2020 by Non
Complete waste of time and money. I went after thousands of dollars of arrears and an increase of child support from the non custodial parent who has completely abandoned his children. He did not even address the arrears amount in court, so I was awarded nothing in that regard. I was awarded an increase of $21 a month. The final court hearing was in January and he didn't have enough common decency or professionalism to provide me with a final copy of the new order. Not to mention he called me a b*tch and screamed at me to shut up. Not recommended.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Patrick
I have known Mr Konke at Atlanta Law Associates for several years, he is knowledgeable and expert in his field. I have had him represent me during my first wifes divorceandwill be using him on my second, he helpedme gain custody with my 2 boys ages 2 and 6 at the time. The divorce he will be representing me on this next time will not be a custody issue. He's a great guy, and I recommend him to people all the time.
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12 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
I would expect that everybody's experiences would be different, but Mr. Konke was attentive, empathic and understood my perspective. He was extremely responsive and didn't leave me hanging. He has very good working relationship with the court personnel and the judges. Overall, he got me results that I desired without having me break the bank.
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24 Dec, 2023 by Moshe stein
This Attorney Shows up for his clients if you want someone who fights for you this Lawyer is here for you Reid M Kennedy
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27 Nov, 2023 by Beyoncé mcghee
07 Mar, 2023 by Chief sovrano
Very Caring of their Clients.
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24 Dec, 2023 by Moshe stein
This Attorney Shows up for his clients if you want someone who fights for you this Lawyer is here for you Reid M Kennedy
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27 Nov, 2023 by Beyoncé mcghee
07 Mar, 2023 by Chief sovrano
Very Caring of their Clients.
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09 May, 2024 by Anthony
This is my opinion but I feel compelled to share my experience with this firm as a cautionary tale to others. My time with them was marked by disappointment and frustration, leaving me deeply dissatisfied. From the beginning, there was a glaring lack of communication and transparency regarding the progress of my case. This made me feel misled and undervalued, especially given the significant investment I had made. Despite my efforts to seek guidance from both the paralegal and the attorney, I received inadequate responses and minimal support. I often found myself reaching out to customer service, who, while helpful, couldn't provide the clarity I needed.
Moreover, I was dismayed to discover that basic inquiries about my case's status resulted in additional charges, even when I hadn't heard from the attorney. I found myself billed for work without any updates, and strategy sessions were conducted without my involvement or explanation of their purpose. The contract I signed gave them alarming freedom to withdraw money from my account without proper explanation, with invoices offering little clarity on the charges incurred.
The fees for their services seemed disproportionate to the work being done, indicating a prioritization of profit over client satisfaction. This led to unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction throughout my experience. Overall, I strongly advise others to approach this firm with caution, as my encounter left much to be desired in terms of professionalism and transparency.
Additionally, I was forced to seek assistance from another firm, incurring further expenses. Despite this, I received only a small portion of the funds held in escrow back to me.
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13 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
One way or another they take your money! If your looking to spend your hard earned dollars on mediocre advice, go with this firm!
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11 Oct, 2022 by Brandy
My Opinion - The Hobson's lacked professional etiquette. I hired this practice for a simple custody case. Upon meeting with the office, I was assigned a great attorney - Ms. Goff - who after months of paperwork, meetings, and hearings - disappeared. Upon her "leaving" my case was shuffled through multiple attorneys in the office that did not have any knowledge of the case. Each time someone new touched it, I was charged more. When I started asking questions and asked to speak directly to a Hobson about my concerns; they dropped my case stating that I did not trust them. Thousands of dollars simply thrown down the drain. After finding a new attorney, the case was easily settled in a few short months.
It seems that my time spent in the hands of Hobson and Hobson was all about playing a game with the opposing attorney and how much money could be made. They took advantage of the situation for financial gain. - Again; in my opinion.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Gol m
Stephen Steeler is a crook ! He made already challenging and emotionally charged situation even worse. He repeatedly prioritized his own financial gain over the best interests of the clients, providing subpar legal advice, failing to communicate effectively, and dragging out the legal process unnecessarily. He charged for every single thing that he had to do and heightened emotional distress for those going through a divorce. His reputation is a sham ! Avoid this guy
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02 Nov, 2022 by Jeff pennington
5 Stars! Best divorce attroney in the State of Georgia!
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19 Jun, 2021 by Miles j
Not a good lawyer if you don’t want to get a second job or second mortgage just to pay for your divorce. FYI - never, ever, EVER sign a non refundable retainer with an attorney. The only lawyers who do this are the shady crooks.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Gol m
Stephen Steeler is a crook ! He made already challenging and emotionally charged situation even worse. He repeatedly prioritized his own financial gain over the best interests of the clients, providing subpar legal advice, failing to communicate effectively, and dragging out the legal process unnecessarily. He charged for every single thing that he had to do and heightened emotional distress for those going through a divorce. His reputation is a sham ! Avoid this guy
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02 Nov, 2022 by Jeff pennington
5 Stars! Best divorce attroney in the State of Georgia!
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19 Jun, 2021 by Miles j
Not a good lawyer if you don’t want to get a second job or second mortgage just to pay for your divorce. FYI - never, ever, EVER sign a non refundable retainer with an attorney. The only lawyers who do this are the shady crooks.
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01 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Spetalnick was extremely combative, unsupportive and literally called me “very stubborn” during our brief consultation. Not only did I feel as if I was being legally mansplained regarding my case but he was actively interrupting and belittling me as I candidly and vulnerably explained my situation.
I felt as if he has defended many men in family law cases and was projecting a perspective against mothers in legal cases.
He will not be retaining my services, and my hope is with this review he analyzes the privilege and patriarchy that propagate his behavior and will eventually catch up with him.
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05 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
when my x stopped paying child support, I knew I needed help so I hired Jon Spetalnick. Mr. Spetalnick provided an initial consultation at no charge and thoroughly explained the process and the next steps. Rather than charge me by the hour, he provided a flat fee for his work up until the court date and a 2nd fee if we went to court. My x on the other hand, hired an attorney with a large practice who charged him an hourly fee and billed him for every little thing.
Ultimately, we did not end up in court because of Mr. Spetalnick's hard work and expertise. It was clear that Mr. Spetalnick spent a great deal of time on my case and thought through the best way to document and present the facts to my x's attorney and to a judge if we ended up in court.
We settled out of court and everything was in my favor. I definitely made the right decision when I hired Mr. Spetalnick and I know the overall cost was much less than it would have been had I hired an attorney who had charged me an hourly rate.
Mr Spetalnick can be very direct, blunt and somewhat harsh at times, but don't let that scare you away. He's passionate about his work and works tirelessly for his clients.
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29 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Let's face it. Divorce can be nasty. Jon Spetalnick does an excellent job of representing and protecting the interests of his clients. I am very pleased with the final outcome of my divorce. I highly recommend this attorney
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01 Oct, 2013 by Marsha
Marian is a very poor lawyer who mishandled my divorce in many ways. I provided her $10,000 in retainer and her assistant was the only person I ever spoke to. She was out for months with an illness and her admin never disclosed the fact that she was not working. She mishandled the discovery and financial disclosure, provided no advise on division of assets... I can go on and on. I have made over a dozen requests for billing statements and have never received one.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Lolita was my attorney through my divorce and acted as if she represented my ex husband, with his best interests in mind. I had to fight with her to not let my ex husband get money from the sale of my house, even when he agreed to take nothing. I had to fight her to get the child support amount above$200 for both kids, because she wanted to just take his word for how much money he made, instead of checking pay stubs. I’m not sure where any of the good reviews came from because I also came across several others who also had issues.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
