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09 Sep, 2024 by Sherri pulie
Great service and a remarkable turn around time.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Jake simoes
Knowledgeable, courteous and to the point. Wonderful working with them.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Lori bisnov
When my husband passed away and I needed an attorney in CT, I was recommended to Attorney John Drapp. I thought it would be difficult because I live in Florida. Attorney Drapp was responsive, kept me well informed of the probate process, helped me by filling out forms that to me were not as easy to understand with all the law lingo. He not only helped me get my husbands estate through probate quickly and efficiently but also recommended another attorney I had to hire to get tenants out of the estate and recommended a realtor that helped sell the house within 3 days after we received approval! I am so grateful to Attorney John Drapp! He also addressed emails all times day and night so I always felt even though we didn’t meet, he had my back. This is an attorney who you can trust and was a pleasure to work with! I highly recommend him!
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04 Jan, 2024 by Maya will
If there was a 100 star option I would leave it for Janis and her staff.
Janis helped me through a 2 year battle with my now ex-husband regarding both custody and finances. Janis wasn’t just my divorce attorney throughout all this, she was a coach, a therapist, a friend. When things were rough she would get on the phone with me to help make sure I was in a good headspace. She constantly reminded me it was a marathon, not a sprint. I felt taken care of during the entire process.
Not only is she extremely compassionate and caring to her clients but she is also a pitbull when it is needed in the courtroom. She comes well prepared into hearings and trials and has an extensive knowledge not only of family law, but of the Connecticut court systems. It is clear that she is well respected by her peers, the judges and court room staff.
Janis’ staff also goes above and beyond for her clients. Rebekah is always friendly and helpful on the phone and perpetually has a great attitude. Sue does wonderful work for the clients. The office is very responsive to phone calls and emails and does a great job at getting you in to meetings.
If you are in need of a divorce attorney, no need to look at further, Laliberte Law is the place to go.
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27 Jul, 2023 by Michael fuori
What can I say about Laliberte Law, simply put “they just get it”!
I was recommended to Janis by a trusted friend, I quickly discover that Janis personally has three plus decades of experience, solely focus on divorces. It only took five minutes with Janis and her team to know that these folks really cared about what they do and what I had to say. They cared about me as a person, going through hard times, and not just another case.
I came to their office feeling alone and lost, and even a bit scared, in the craziness of it all. We immediately struct up a dialog, Janis was empathic to my situation. She patiently listened to my story, and the facts as I knew them. She never “yessed” me. Janise was engaging from the very start, asking me for more details on key topics, and pushing back on me when I started to stray off track. Janis made me feel relaxed, I knew I could tell her anything. She made very clear that she could only best represent me if I was completely open and honest. I knew I had found the team that would fight for me, be in my corner, by my side through the entire process.
Janis stepped me through how the process worked and what would be expected of me. She told me her primary goal was to get to a final resolution as quickly as possible. She instilled a confidence in me that in the end, I would be positioned to move on with my life.
She fought in the trenches for me, was my voice when no one would listen, she challenges my spouse’s lawyers, and the mediator. Backing down is not her style. She kept in constant contact with me every step of the way. I had total confidence in her and her team.
In the end I was very happy with the outcome. I don’t know what I would have done without Laliberte Law representing me. They changed my life and I’m eternally grateful.
Michael T. Fuori
The General Electric Company
Principle Data & Information Architect
R2R – Finance DT
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08 Sep, 2021 by J o henry
Absolutely outstanding attorney! The best of the best. Janis knows how the system works and will steer you in the right direction. She's kind and practical, brilliant and tough! What more do you need? In my case she consulted and advised me right out of a lengthy and costly legal battle that previous lawyers could not do. With her sage advise I got into superb hands and was able to mediate with a retired judge. Thank you Janis for finding me the road back. Forever grateful!
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12 Feb, 2018 by Laura
I recently spoke to John Mager about retaining him to represent me for my custody case. I was highly recommended to him by another top attorney that represented my friend in another area of the state. John was not able to take my case because the courts dates conflicted with his schedule, but John was extremely compassionate and spent over 45 minutes on the phone with me (and I concluded the call, not him, he seemed as if he would stay on the phone as long as I needed, even though I know he was very busy with other cases) , providing me with advice on how to find another attorney, and gave me some recommendations on who to call. I was really impressed with how kind John was to spend this time helping me just out of the kindness of his heart. It is such a difficult task to find a good attorney, so I wanted to offer my advice since I have done some homework on this, and what I can say is that the attorney that referred him has excellent results in Stamford courts and he wouldn't have recommended John if John wasn't great with this area of the law.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Attorney John Mager helped me with a boyfriend who became abusive and began to stalk me. He quickly put an end to it. He stated, "I don't think you will hear from him again." I didn't. I also used Attorney Joe Mager for a closing on a house. He seemed to be extremely busy and it was hard to get ahold of him, but everything was done correctly and I had no problems.
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29 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Mager has been extremely responsive and helpful in dealing with the issues surrounding my divorce case. I am thankful to have him representing me and know he has me and my son's best interests at the forefront. I would highly recommend him and his firm.
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26 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Rachel is a very understanding, confident person and will fight for you. I hired her in 2012 for divorce case and custody of minor children and Don’t regret. I’m so happy I found someone who I can trust to the point I forget she’s my attorney, she’s like a friend, she listens to you and puts herself in your situation. I recommend her highly. I hope this review helps someone in need of a great attorney.
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23 Jan, 2019 by Daniel
I originally sought a divorce/separation consultation from Attorney Crane and due to her complete honest feedback and well thought out options I decided on hiring her. She was a beacon of hope to my family at a time when our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed next to impossible. Attorney Crane was extremely thorough, very persistent in achieving a positive resolution, diligently research focused, fair priced, goal oriented, and always provided timely and honest feedback and answers to all my questions. Not only did she provide an outstanding service where I was able to accomplish a desired result for me and my family during my time of need, uncertainty, and heartache, but she was able to defend me from unjust accusations as well. Her calm, professional and empathetic demeanor offered emotional support and hope to myself and those I care about most. My children and I are eternally grateful for her service and I sincerely trust her with any legal need as well as the lives of me and my and children. I highly recommend Attorney Crane without reservation.
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29 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Rachel went above and beyond to make sure I received full custody of my son when it was a question between a parent and grand parent receiving custody . Her advice and assistance was surperb.
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03 May, 2017 by Jeffrey mehrer
Joe was a tremendous resource during my divorce. He listened intently during our initial consultation, and ultimately understood how to work WITH me. Throughout the process he was interested in how I wanted to handle and approach each step. He didn't hesitate to recommend alternate approaches to reach my end goals, but never overstepped. He understood that I was the one who had to live with the result.
Joe's legal knowledge and guidance was always spot on. He helped me fully understand the difference between my "wants" and what the law would allow. No Surprises. That was critical to managing my expectations, and helped me to better prepare for the next stage of my life.
Joe was GREAT at helping me manage the financial side of the process. He explained his costs and the billing process. No unnecessary phone calls, no unnecessary meetings. We spoke when we needed to, period. In the end, costs for the process were about 1/3 of my ex-wife's. Not because his rates were cheaper, but because he and I managed the process better.
I would recommend Joe to anyone who, God forbid, needs to go through this process.
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18 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
Barnes was always available with positive feedback and helpfull with my questions and concerns. Always on time for court/ and misc. meetings and available to review neccessary information one on one in person. Knowledgeable on all aspects of the case. Thouroghly read and reviewed my emails with questions or information I may have had. Always available through phone and returned phone calls in a timely mannor.
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12 Nov, 2013 by Grace
Attorney Barnes worked for me on a quite complicated and contested divorced case. I contacted Attorney Barnes when I was in a desperate situation from my divorce case. From the start , I felt that Attorney Barnes was there to look out for the best interests for me and my child. He cared about my particular needs and keep working on those frustrating issues. His help definitely changed the life for me and my child. Attorney Barnes is very knowledge of different fields of laws and I have benefited tremendously from his generously sharing. I strongly recommend this lawyer.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Marquise murray
John is representing a case for me and when I tell you, this guy is awesome and knows what he’s doing. He is really the truth. He is also representing a friend of mine who I put on to him. Ill give him a 10 star review
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28 Aug, 2018 by Hilda
I am a client of Attorney John Barney as he represented me in my DUI case. Attorney Barney was attentive and followed up in all outstanding legal matters and was terrific addressing my background and all details of my case to the Honorable Judge. I know it’s beacusd of his talent and knowledge of the law that thankfully all went smoothly for me.
To this day he still checks in with me.
I highly recommend Attorney Barney for any criminal charge.
Thank you!
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21 Dec, 2017 by Lakshmi
I have contacted John Barney for dealing with an unfortunate incident with my mother. He is very compassionate,confident and a genuine lawyer. He is very dedicated and often answers the calls even if it means returning your call late in the evening. I am so grateful that i have known him and hired him. I see myself reaching out to him n a blink of an eye if a need arises . I would strongly recommend him to anyone that needs a good lawyer.
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25 Oct, 2019 by Tatyana
I hired attorney Ellson to handle my divorce case. By the time Laurel and I met I was already working with second attorney and felt that I needed to replace her urgently. Laurel made the transition very easy despite the lack of cooperation from my previous attorney. Laurel’s professional style is a unique combination of toughness and kindness. Most divorces are very draining emotionally and having a compassionate attorney by your side is a huge benefit. While being very kind and supportive towards me Laurel, at the same time, was reasonably demanding towards the other party. At times it felt that the case could have progressed quicker but it may be a general feeling when going through a divorce. Having dealt with three attorneys during my divorce I would certainly recommend Laurel Ellson!
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25 Apr, 2016 by Karen
I hired attrny Kenneth Nicoll in 2012 and couldnt be more pleased with his level of expertise. He is kind hearted, extremely intelligent and very realistic. He is well versed in many areas of law and i have recomended him to others who have been extremely satisfied. Attrny Nicoll has an excellent reputation in town and I gave consulted with him on other legal issues and hired him a 2nd time in 2014 for a deed issue with my ex husband.
Karen
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24 Mar, 2015 by Sarah
Tom did an awesome job representing me in a traffic case. He kept me informed at all times of the possibility of various outcomes, what my responsibilities were, etc. I was especially appreciative of his patience in explaining the step by step process of how going to court would work. I had never been before, and he his professionalism and confidence reassured me. The best part was that Tom was able to get all charges dropped! If going to court could be at all positive, Tom made it happen.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Dan champagne
Win from Dey Smith Steele has been an excellent resource for estate planning. I have done my own estate planning with them and have referred many friends and family with nothing but great feedback in return. Will continue to use them for my legal needs for years to come. They are highly recommended!
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02 Nov, 2022 by Michelle gallate
The best divorce lawyer in town. Will give 10 stars if I could
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25 Oct, 2022 by Gwendolyn farrell
05 Oct, 2023 by Melissa paul
Jessica was very professional and knowledgeable at my mortgage closing.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Garland holt
With the assistance from Holler Law Firm, we successfully completed the documentation required to refinance our home loan. We are thankful for their professionalism.
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18 Sep, 2023 by Tim p
The gentleman that helped us was very friendly, professional and, most importantly, was okay with my dogs being in the room, which was a plus. I know going into stranger’s homes is a weird gig, but he was great and I would recommend Mr. Cahill to anyone needing this type of work done. Thanks
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09 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
The man might not be the most personable person but he does know how to handle an extreme situation involving North Carolina and CT. I would recommend any father fighting for his child this attorney.
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08 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
To be concise, he knows the law and can reiterate it well. He has a strong enough presence in the court room but focuses on things not necessary to the case. While leaving out facts that are pertinent. And having a misogynistic judge sitting on the bench these tactics were not useful in a nasty divorce. Also, I had the feeling after this judge's decision he was swayed to believing the other sides out and out lies. Lies that another judge who did not have a misogynistic character flaw would see through and rule against. Perhaps Mr. Goulden is better under other circumstances but definitely not in cases like mine. He is not good in a tough and messy divorce situation. An attorney in this situation has to play as dirty as the other side.
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08 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Absolutely outstanding attorney! The best of the best. Chris knows how the system works and will steer you in the right direction. He’s kind and practical, yet brilliant and tough! What more can one ask for? In my case he was able to extract me from a lengthy and costly legal battle that previous lawyers could not do. With his creative approach and wonderful relationships with others in the legal field he was able to engage a retired judge to mediate. Listening to his wise counsel and sage advice i was able to get my life back. Thank you Chris for your hard work and outstanding service. Forever grateful!
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19 Jul, 2022 by Mark
By far one of the most rude, disrespectful attorneys I’ve ever had the displeasure of speaking with. His knowledge of automobile coverage/law is severely deficient and I couldn’t even finish a sentence without him interrupting me on the phone. Not to mention he insinuated to my mother that I would “threaten her” for use of her vehicle. Keep in mind that my mother is 70+ years old suffering from dementia, and is easily impressionable. Avoid this fear-mongering lawyer at all costs!
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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.
