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25 Feb, 2025 by Karen t
I would not recommend Samantha Heath. I chose Samantha based on her AVVO rating, all of her honors and awards, and years of experience. However, I was extremely disappointed in the representation that I received from her and her team.
I was informed that a divorce without minor children should take 3-5 months and it should be in the $5000-$10,000 range if it doesn't go to trial. Five months after hiring Samantha, not only was I still not divorced, but she had not drafted any settlement proposals or even begun division of assets. When I questioned the timing, she insisted that the divorce was on track and that the timing was very typical.
Samantha had billed me over $8500 while my husband had been billed just under $3000 from his attorney for just about the same number of hours worked on the case. The majority of my husband's work was handled by his lawyer's assistant or paralegal while almost all of the work for my case (with the exception of ½ an hour) was billed at Samantha's rate of $395 including all of the administrative work and her responses to my emails questioning why the divorce is taking so long. I also never received any bill until after the retainer fee was used up and she was billing for more money. She claimed that I was not set up to receive them. I had asked Samantha to revisit her billing rate, but she told me that the fees that I had been billed are appropriate and reflect the complexity of my case and the expertise provided and that her hourly rate is commensurate with her over 30 years of experience in family law.
Communication was also very poor with Samantha and things were very sloppy. She did not explain things very well and in some cases gave conflicting advice which required additional emails for clarification. Forms were received with misspelled information, as well as misinformation. I could go on with other issues, but these are the most significant.
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07 Nov, 2024 by R k
VERY POOR ATTENTION TO POTENTIAL CLIENTS! EVEN THE PHONE PARALEGAL LACKS THE PROFESSIONALISM TO RETAIN POTENTIAL CLIENTS!
FLEE AND RUN RAST!
ATTORNEYS NEED TO UNDERSTAND ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR YOU NEED US THE CLIENT IN ORDER TO STAY IN BUSINESS... IT'S NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!
VERY, VERY POOR ATTENTION!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Devon crowl
Very knowledgeable firm. Staff were amazing to work with and helped us overcome some challenges with our petition. I would recommend Ray and his team to any of my family and friends knowing they will receive quality representation.
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28 Nov, 2017 by Michael lassen
Super lawyers in Michigans Ingham county.
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30 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mick and his office after I was way in over my head with my mortgage. I came to Mick desperate to save my family home. He reassured me that he would do everything in his power to get the best result for me and save my home. I worked with Mick and Jessica for about a year, they were quick to answer my calls, emails, etc. It has been about a year now, but I can happily say Mick and his staff SAVED my home, they not only saved me $300,000.00 on my principle alone but cut my payments in half. I would never refer a friend or family member to anybody but Mick. They can be trusted, fair fees and excellent results, what more can you ask for?
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28 Nov, 2016 by Terry
Mick Grewal and his associates have done an excellent job in representing me, my partners, and my clients with complex real estate related issues to our complete satisfaction. He is trustworthy, diligent, knowledgeable and caring. I will surely continue to use and recommend him in the future.
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17 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Starla Zehr helped me navigate the divorce process that included 2 small children within the Oakland County, Michigan court system. I was grateful to have had her expertise and ear when it came to representing me and my best interests. She always took into account my overall situation and presented me with all the potential options I could pursue. She assisted me in making reasonable and thoughtful decisions during stressful times and fought for the issues I was steadfast on with her lawyer gloves strapped on. As lovely as she is, I don't *hope* to see Starla again, but with that tricky ex, it could well be a reality eventually. I am just glad I have a solid professional to turn to should anything that requires a motion or a judge ever comes up in the future. I had a couple of referrals to attorneys, but Starla actually represented my ex's 1st wife in her divorcing him, so I looked her up, saw she was closeby in Waterford, took it as an overall sign from the Gods and gave her office a ring. The time she took with me during the free consultation was generous and the information she provided was eye-opening. Figured hiring her would make also make it twice as nice for the ex, so I would like to thank him for the personal referral when. He would periodically mention Starla's name over the years with low-grade hate, wincing eyes, and a wee bit of a snarl. If that isn't the best form of marketing for a lawyer referral, I don't know what is. And who doesn't love a highly personal recommendation, right? So put Starla Zehr on your short-list of lawyer consultations if things are getting hinky in your marriage. She put me in my place when it was needed, but I always felt like she had my back, too. Good stuff.
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01 May, 2010 by Larry b.
Starla is one of the best lawyers that has represented me in a difficult divorce. She saved me thousands with her expertise. I would highly recommend her.
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06 Jan, 2010 by Aimee
Mrs. Zehr was more than just my lawyer she supported me through all the ups and downs of going through a divorce. She gave me the hope that I needed when I thought there was none. I would recommend her to anyone who needed an awsome lawyer.
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02 Feb, 2022 by Jennifer
Ms. Heath was extremely professional and exceeded my expectations. She fought for all of my rights and I could be more pleased.
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15 Jun, 2021 by Max
Determined pretty quickly was not who I needed after a reasonable review, gave referral, gave some sound advice, let me know areas she might be helpful in the future. At least a good consult.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I was recommended by a colleague who use Symantha in the past. I asked him if he knew a good divorce lawyer and the first and only person he mentioned was Symantha Heath in Novi. After speaking with her I knew immediately she was the one I needed fighting this divorce battle. She super exceeded my expectations. The other side used pit-bull tactics and Symantha had there tails curled up immediately. Any issues I ever have her office will be the one and only office I ever call.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.6
146 Reviews
20 Dec, 2024 by Susan (suza) duesbery
I highly recommend Kevin for anyone seeking expert guidance on protecting their intellectual property. He skillfully navigated me through the process of securing two trademarks, making it seamless and stress-free. Kevin's professionalism, combined with his approachable demeanor, ensured I always understood each step of the process. I’ll definitely turn to him for all my future trademark needs. Thank you, Kevin!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Steve viggiano
We had an excellent experience working with Kevin McLaughlin at Crafted Law. He was knowledgeable, professional, and attentive throughout the entire trademark process. From the initial consultation to the final registration, Crafted Law made the process very straightforward. They took the time to answer all of our teams questions and provided valuable insights to ensure our brand was fully protected. I highly recommend Kevin McLaughlin to anyone looking for expert trademark assistance.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Jayson dekmar
Kevin filed a trademark for my company. He had great communication and prices seemed reasonable. I would work with him again.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Julia h
Wendy is very passionate with her work, actively fight for my interests and my rights, highly recommend Wendy
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22 Jan, 2025 by Christi dubay
Wendy was so helpful every step of the way. She was very personable and I felt had my whole family's best interest at heart. At an extremely difficult time if my life, she was there to ease my mind and help with the transition. I would recommend Wendy Alton to anyone who is looking for more than just any old lawyer out there. She's one of a kind. I'll never forget her patience, kindness, and care.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer rice
Nuala is responsive, wise and patient. I ask a lot of questions and she kindly answers each one. She watches out for our nonprofit - making sure that necessary paperwork is filed. I was thrilled to learn that she is the lawyer for another wonderful nonprofit per my referral. I cannot recommend her enough! - Jennifer Rice, Sent With Love
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19 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I could not have made it through two very difficult situations with out Mr. Lewis as my lawyer. With his representation both situations ended very positively. Mr. Lewis dedicated his time and energy into helping me take everything one step at a time. His office staff also was always there to help. I always felt like I could trust his office to fully handle my cases. I never had a problem with communication, my questions were always answered on a timely basis. I would hire Mr. Lewis again with no hesitation.
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03 Oct, 2017 by Nick b
John has helped me on more than one occasion. His knowledge of the judicial system, determination, and strive for results makes him the best attorney I have ever known. If you want the best John is your man.
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08 Mar, 2017 by April
He made me feel comfortable during a very uncomfortable trial. John is very down to earth and smart. If you're looking for good representation, he's your best choice!
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5.0
97 Reviews
13 Jun, 2024 by Eric lewandowski
I had a fantastic experience working with Kotz Sangster. Extremely knowledgeable for M&A transactions as well as other areas of law. I would gladly work with Kotz Sangster again in the future!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Dave hartung
We didn’t know we were being scammed as it was all so confusing. Brian returned my call and said don’t follow their instructions regarding a new “Failure to show up in court scam” He then called the sheriff impersonator who would not give his badge number and hung up confirming the scam. What a relief we felt and Brian was so kind and helpful, and didn’t charge us anything. Thank you for being a true friend and supportive citizen.
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07 May, 2024 by Jason tietz
Jeff Sternberg worked with our family to get us through some times and was wonderful in the process. I would recommend Jeff Sternberg to anyone.
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18 Nov, 2009 by Koki
I like how Lorinda understands my situation and treated me like a friend then a client. She put her self in my shoes, and that makes her great.
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16 Nov, 2009 by Nawana
Mrs. Lindsay represented me very professionally and I felt confident and secure with my decision to use her services. I have recommended her services to at least three of my friends and they agree with me about her superb performance!
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18 Oct, 2023 by Taylor
Brandon is hands down the BEST attorney in the U.P. he is dedicated to serving his clients with respect and dignity. Look no further, his legal representation is justice served. He is the only lawyer I would ever consider for fighting for my life, freedom,faith and children. Thank you Brandon for always having my best interest at heart.
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13 Jun, 2022 by Harry
Very knowledgeable and great communication. Was on top of everything and worked with me on pricing
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20 Apr, 2015 by Paul
I have two children, 5 and 7. I was only granted weekend visits during my divorce and over the last three years since the divorce was final things kept getting worse. I tried to file motions on my own and was told I would have a court date in two weeks. Wrong! I kept getting blown off. I searched online for a lawyer and was very unsure if I could afford one or if my Lawyer would let me down like my divorce lawyer. I decided to set up a consultation with Shelly and gave a brief description to her assistant Ruth over the phone. When I went in to her office I was nervous, a single dad going for full custody...not very often does that turn out good. Shelly and her whole staff, Ruth, Brian and Chelley made me feel extremely comfortable and explained EVERYTHING to me in great detail. I decided to hire Shelly. We had a very short time to get things ready before going in front of the referee for a parenting time violation and status conference. She did a very good job prepping for in in just a few weeks. I ended up with temporary custody and we had to prep for mediation. Mediation was not a option as we found out. So now the preparation for trial. I was very skeptical about everything at this point. Shelly and her staff did a great job explaining what was happening and telling me how I could save my self money by getting medical records or anything relevant to trial. I was still having doubts about the whole trial. With their kind words and explaining absolutely everything I was put at ease. After about six months of court dates, trial prep and then the big trial it is finely over. She helped me win custody of my five year old son and seven year old daughter. These two kids are the reason I wake up every day and Shelley and her team could see that and fought until we won! I would recommend and will recommend her to anyone that is going through a divorce or custody battle. They are simply AMAZING! Thank you Shelley and your team!!
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22 Mar, 2015 by Lindsay
Shelley and her team helped our family with a parenting time modification order. She and her staff were knowledgeable, trustworthy and full of compassion. I appreciated the personal care that they all gave us and kind words through a very trying time. I am forever thankful for having Shelley and her staff with me and my family to walk that walk beside us.
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07 Aug, 2021 by Jessica
Very satisfied with everything. James went above and beyond and was very hands on. He was able to get my appeal filed quickly and was very honest and up front on whether or not he thought I had grounds for an appeal. We ultimately won my appeal and our motion for immediate consideration. I’m very happy and highly recommend James.
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14 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Attorney Mark Quinn is trustworthy, Very Knowledgeable. Did not make me feel like I was just one of clients, I was to made to feel like I was "The Client".
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02 Mar, 2011 by Susan
Mr. Banner did an excellent job. He was extremely knowledgable and responded to all my needs. I strongly recommend him as an attorney
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01 Sep, 2024 by Susan
Victoria Targosz and her legal team are superior. Victoria is confident, prepared and bold.
She meticulously reviewed the information of my case and prepared an exceptional strategy that resulted in a positive outcome.
Vic exceeded my expectations as an attorney.
My questions were answered with great clarity and patience. She always made me feel as if I mattered and respected as a client.
In the courtroom, Victoria is highly respectful and respected, calm, and addresses the court with confident knowledge.
I highly recommend consulting with her. When you hand your case over to her, let her do her job - you will be graeful you did.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Linda
Catherine Wolfe is an excellent attorney. I would highly recommend her. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate when it comes to Animal Law. She was very quick to responded to my cry for help, with an abundance of information and Kindness. This world needs more lawyers with the heart and soul of Ms. Wolfe.
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28 Oct, 2024 by Tony s.
You know in the movies when the wife hires some superstar divorce lawyer that destroys a guy in the divorce? Scott is THAT lawyer. My previously well-off uncle was working on renovations in my aunt's house after the divorce and going back to his trailer. So, when I had to fight for parental rights for my daughter, I called to ask my aunt who her lawyer was. When she said "Scott Longton", I was thrown off because he's someone I'd known as a kid and never realized he'd gone on to be this amazing lawyer. It seemed like a sign, so I hired him.
First Scott explained the law to me and showed me why my case was basically unwinnable. Next, Scott carefully repeated the exact wording in certain lines of the law and explained how we were gonna use that phrasing to win. Scott was sharp and on point the entire way and took care of everything that needed to be done. In court, he made our case seem like the only thing that made sense and the judge was clearly in complete agreement.
My daughter's mom was still married when my little girl was born. I was under the impression that they were done, but she'd run back when she got pregnant. My daughter was my twin when she was born so most people who visited at the hospital new I was the father right away. I wanted to be in my daughter's life from the moment her mother brought her to me, but her husband was making that increasingly difficult for much of her first year.
Scott changed that. He got me joint legal custody, parental rights, name change on the birth certificate, her mother and I setup every weekend parental time for me and the judge threw in that I had to be asked if I wanted to take her before my daughter goes within anyone else.
Granted, we made the mistake of trying to work out rules between she and I, which has been a rollercoaster these past 10yrs now, but Scott warned me that would happen if I didn't take his advice and have a formal sitdown to put our agreement in writing for the courts to enforce; so that's on me.
I need a criminal law attorney for a self-defense case Southgate now, and landed here on the AVVO site looking up Scott to see if it was in his experience and expertise to fight for me again.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Roxybailyoreo roxybailyoreo
Great communication, great help, and works financially with you
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22 May, 2024 by Joshua watkins
Working with Amy Ruby has been an exceptional experience both professionally and personally. As an attorney, she is the epitome of a consummate professional. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, her expertise, diligence, and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of my case.
Beyond her professional excellence, what truly sets Amy apart is the genuine friendship she offered throughout this journey. Her approachable nature and empathetic understanding made an otherwise stressful process much more manageable. She took the time to listen, to understand my concerns, and to provide reassurance when I needed it most.
Amy seamlessly blended professional rigor with personal warmth, making me feel supported on all fronts. It’s rare to find someone who excels in their field while also being a true friend, but Amy Ruby is exactly that. If you’re looking for an attorney who will not only represent you with unwavering dedication but also stand by you as a trusted ally, I wholeheartedly recommend Amy Ruby.
Thank you, Amy, for your outstanding service and steadfast friendship. Your impact on my life goes beyond the courtroom, and I am profoundly grateful. Joshua Watkins
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27 Mar, 2024 by Angi quiroga
Amy was my representation in a divorce case. She was very thorough in walking me through each step and ensuring I was well informed of each step in the process. She was prompt in her communication and ensured all of my questions were answered. Above all else, I felt like I had an advocate every step of the way. 10/10 - I'd recommend Amy to any friend or family member who needs representation to resolve a legal issue.
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03 May, 2024 by Jeff seymour
Lawyers are just Liars. Here to take your money and leave you more worse off than when they found yah....
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25 Nov, 2022 by Patty
I hired Attorney Ruth Noble for a divorce I knew was going to be nasty and very time consuming, after being with my husband for 34 years...she was more than knowledgeable, helpful, always available for my questions, of which I had many, and the outcome for me was more than I expected. I cannot thank her enough for helping me through this very stressful time. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advise.
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03 Nov, 2022 by Cassie
My divorce/custody battle couldn't have been more contentious. Ruth was actually my 3rd attorney on my case, it had lasted over 2 years. I wish I would have found her in the very beginning. She was able to do the unimaginable even when we couldn't get my entire file from my previous attorney. Together we worked late to make sure the very best outcome happened. I felt beyond prepared thanks to her extra effort in my case. Very well communicated, which we all know is needed in such a high stress time. Very knowledgeable. Very dedicated. Honestly, she probably works to hard for the appreciation I'm sure she sometimes receives, but that's what everyone should look for when finding an attorney. I am beyond thankful for her and am finally living a peaceful life with my kids! She gave us the peace we so desperately needed at an affordable price!
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15 Mar, 2024 by Samantha smith
Mr Bec is brilliant & has very reasonable prices.
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14 Feb, 2021 by Derrick banks
08 Oct, 2019 by Markie k
11 Mar, 2018 by This is my life now
22 Jan, 2025 by Robert taylor
For anyone needing a attorney that reaches out this is the guy ! Called me on a early Sunday morning kept in touch with me through the whole process worked very diligently until the end basically being there when you need a good attorney and delivering is an understatement 👍👍
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21 Nov, 2024 by Katie mcconnell
Ezra Goldman was the best decision I could have made when faced with a legal issue as a defense attorney. He went far above and beyond what I had expected. He understood the situation I was in. With persistence, he was able to achieve the absolute best outcome given my certain situation. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney!
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21 Nov, 2024 by Ulysses l'espion
Ezra Goldman gave me my life back. His knowledge of the intricacies of the law is almost like a sixth sense. He could see things that I would never ever notice or consider in a lifetime of reflection. I have a tendency to be a walking(sometimes rolling)ball of stress and anxiety. He handled me well.
I am ignorant of a lot of things, but Mr. Goldman was able to help me make sense of of it all, guide me in the right direction with patience and care with aplomb. He put me at ease as much as humanly possible as legal counsel can be whilst surely being prohibited from making promises. His confidence gave me confidence.
While I hope to never need his services again. I would not for moment hesitate seek him out if need be, and I highly recommend him to anybody finding themselves up against a wall.
I feel like I can breath again because Mr. Goldman was there when I needed him most.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Tim hollenbeck
Michael helped make the difficult process of divorce go as smoothly as is possible. He is a voice of reason in what can seem to be unreasonable times. He responded promptly to any questions or concerns I had. I appreciate the help hee provided!
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15 May, 2024 by Wendy olson
Michael is an extremely thorough attorney. So thorough that he was complimented by the judge during our hearing where the judge agreed with what was presented and custody was awarded appropriately. We would highly recommend him to anyone going through a family legal battle.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Felix
I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Michael J. Haskell recently, and I couldn't be more satisfied with his legal expertise and dedication to my case. From our initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter, Attorney Michael J. Haskell demonstrated professionalism and a deep understanding of the law. He was always responsive to my questions and concerns, making me feel at ease throughout the process. His attention to detail and strategic approach yielded a favorable outcome for me. I highly recommend Attorney Michael J. Haskell to anyone in need of legal representation.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Lin lazarus
“I cannot say enough about the incredible experience we had with Brian Gordon! From the start, it was clear that he is deeply committed to his clients and will go above and beyond to fight for justice. His expertise and dedication are truly unmatched.
Throughout our case, Brian Gordon kept us informed at every step, making sure we understood the process and felt supported. He showed relentless effort, meticulously gathering evidence, and his attention to detail was remarkable. No matter how challenging the situation became, he never lost focus on our goals and treated our concerns with the utmost respect.
What truly set him apart was his compassion and personal investment in our case. We never felt like “just another client.” He was always available, quick to respond to questions, and offered guidance that eased so much of our stress. Thanks to his hard work, we achieved an outcome that exceeded our expectations.
If you’re looking for an attorney who combines professionalism with heart and will put everything on the line for his clients, Brian Gordon is the one to call. I highly recommend him without hesitation!”
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23 Oct, 2024 by Michaele daugin
Brian is knowledgeable in his field, listens to the whole picture, and willing to fight for his clients. He doesn’t shy away from the hard cases, and advises realistic expectations. Having experienced multiple attorneys, I have been very happy with him, especially his communication skills, which are well above most family law attorneys!
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16 Oct, 2024 by Mat b
I recommend Sarnacki Law for anyone going through divorce (tumultuous or otherwise). David and Tammy are the most professional and effective team I have had the pleasure to work with. David knows his stuff and his support on handling the emotional side of divorce is a great asset as well. We worked through local and intercountry systems and David was always there with great ideas and additional resources when required.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Robert taylor
For anyone needing a attorney that reaches out this is the guy ! Called me on a early Sunday morning kept in touch with me through the whole process worked very diligently until the end basically being there when you need a good attorney and delivering is an understatement 👍👍
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21 Nov, 2024 by Katie mcconnell
Ezra Goldman was the best decision I could have made when faced with a legal issue as a defense attorney. He went far above and beyond what I had expected. He understood the situation I was in. With persistence, he was able to achieve the absolute best outcome given my certain situation. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney!
Read more
21 Nov, 2024 by Ulysses l'espion
Ezra Goldman gave me my life back. His knowledge of the intricacies of the law is almost like a sixth sense. He could see things that I would never ever notice or consider in a lifetime of reflection. I have a tendency to be a walking(sometimes rolling)ball of stress and anxiety. He handled me well.
I am ignorant of a lot of things, but Mr. Goldman was able to help me make sense of of it all, guide me in the right direction with patience and care with aplomb. He put me at ease as much as humanly possible as legal counsel can be whilst surely being prohibited from making promises. His confidence gave me confidence.
While I hope to never need his services again. I would not for moment hesitate seek him out if need be, and I highly recommend him to anybody finding themselves up against a wall.
I feel like I can breath again because Mr. Goldman was there when I needed him most.
Read more
22 Feb, 2025 by Windex the pretty blue liquid
I am very satisfied with the legal services I've received from Bahry Law. Patrick is amazing! He listened to me and my concerns, and he was honest about what I could expect for my case. His office is also prompt when returning messages. I highly recommend Bahry Law for your legal needs.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Mohamed ali hammoud
If you're looking for an attorney who is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also compassionate and client-focused, Patrick Bahry is the one to choose. I am incredibly grateful for his hard work and would not hesitate to seek his counsel again in the future. Thank you, Patrick, for your outstanding service and for making a positive difference in my life!
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17 Feb, 2025 by 3rd down punt podcast
Will do everything in his power to legally help you win and fight. Definitely good value as someone familiar with this service.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Lin lazarus
“I cannot say enough about the incredible experience we had with Brian Gordon! From the start, it was clear that he is deeply committed to his clients and will go above and beyond to fight for justice. His expertise and dedication are truly unmatched.
Throughout our case, Brian Gordon kept us informed at every step, making sure we understood the process and felt supported. He showed relentless effort, meticulously gathering evidence, and his attention to detail was remarkable. No matter how challenging the situation became, he never lost focus on our goals and treated our concerns with the utmost respect.
What truly set him apart was his compassion and personal investment in our case. We never felt like “just another client.” He was always available, quick to respond to questions, and offered guidance that eased so much of our stress. Thanks to his hard work, we achieved an outcome that exceeded our expectations.
If you’re looking for an attorney who combines professionalism with heart and will put everything on the line for his clients, Brian Gordon is the one to call. I highly recommend him without hesitation!”
Read more
23 Oct, 2024 by Michaele daugin
Brian is knowledgeable in his field, listens to the whole picture, and willing to fight for his clients. He doesn’t shy away from the hard cases, and advises realistic expectations. Having experienced multiple attorneys, I have been very happy with him, especially his communication skills, which are well above most family law attorneys!
Read more
16 Oct, 2024 by Mat b
I recommend Sarnacki Law for anyone going through divorce (tumultuous or otherwise). David and Tammy are the most professional and effective team I have had the pleasure to work with. David knows his stuff and his support on handling the emotional side of divorce is a great asset as well. We worked through local and intercountry systems and David was always there with great ideas and additional resources when required.
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11 Jan, 2025 by Kaylin wilkey
Max is an exceptional lawyer and person. He is the best at what he does! I would highly recommend him to anyone with family law needs.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Jonathan sterling
Max is a great attorney. Hardworking, tenacious and compassionate. Every client and friend I have referred to him has raved about him.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Gabrielle davis
Max is kind and caring during one of the most difficult times in a person's life, not to mention that he's an incredibly knowledgable and experienced attorney. He's quick to answer questions and make the process as painless as possible.
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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.
