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17 Jul, 2024 by Beth
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by my attorney Kathryn Abele. From the very beginning, she showed unparalleled compassion and dedication to my family's case. Her commitment to our cause was evident as she tirelessly fought for us, leaving no stone unturned. What truly set her apart was her meticulous research. She went above and beyond, even discovering a relevant law from the late 1800s that was pivotal to our case. Watching Kathryn in the courtroom is truly incredible. Her presence is commanding, and she controls the courtroom with a combination of passion and profound knowledge of the law. Her expertise and confidence shine through in every argument she makes, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. Her dedication to my case was evident, and her ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system was nothing short of impressive. I felt reassured knowing she was representing my family, and her unwavering commitment gave us the strength to persevere. I cannot thank her enough for her hard work and dedication. If you are looking for an attorney who is not only highly skilled but also passionately committed to justice, I wholeheartedly recommend her.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Ryan
I'm in the middle of a custody battle in family law against my child's mother. She has done nothing but make up lies and stories about me and my fiance. Kathryn has done nothing short of fighting hard to ensure I keep my child in my care while we continue the momentum forward in gaining full custody. Kathryn is no slouch in the courtroom and is very passionate about what she does. I tried to go it alone through ex parte but was failing. Kathryn coached me while she was in the courtroom for another case and helped me get through that mess of a day. Since that day I've had Kathryn as my attorney and it's paying off big time.
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02 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I came in for a consultation to try to get the maximum amount of time with my daughter and she gave me so many tips to help my case and let me know the best course of action for me to take. Unfortunately money is tight and I am unable to afford her but if I could I would hire her in a heart beat.
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29 Mar, 2017 by Mary wang
I am a new property owner and have many questions of landlord and tenant law and LLC. Brenda is very helpful. She patiently heard out my concerns and questions. She is extremely knowledgable of Landlord and Tenant Law and has great experience in this area. She explained in depth details of pro and con of my options. Her advice is very clear and practical. I high recommend her to anyone who needs legal advice.
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26 Jan, 2016 by Patrick
I needed help with a power of attorney that would be effective overseas. Brenda did a fantastic job. She checked the embassy requirements, got in touch with embassy, and promptly and accurately drafted the poa. All that at a very reasonable budget.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Carmen
I live in a small mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Snohomish county so when the big maple tree directly in back of my home became unsafe and one large part of it fell on my roof and back wall last winter, I could not call any city inspector/agency for assistance. The park owner called it an act of God and took no responsibility for it; luckily I had good insurance and repairs were done in a timely manner. The problem was not over though; there were additional branches and trunks which were leaning and clearly unsafe and my landlord would only remove one which did not overhang my home at all, just helped out my neighbors. I attempted to speak with hiim about the issue several times thru the winter and spring but his attitude was not cooperative and he finally refused to discuss it at all. I waited for a full year for him to do something-anything and when the situation became impossible to live with, I hired Brenda. I had previously contacted the state AG's office to see if they could assist me but they informed me it did not fall under their purview. Brenda looked up the applicable case law, found something and mailed a polite but firm letter to my landlord quoting the law and giving him a time frame for abiding by the letter of that law. Within 10 days, the tree was down and I have peace of mind again. Her rates were reasonable and she kept in touch with me during the process as to what she was doing and making sure I was on board with it. I would definitely hire her again if the need arises and recommend her highly.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Steve
Danielle is nothing short of spectacular. She represented me in my divorce case for a 22 year marriage. She is a straight shooter, incredibly professional, and organized, compassionate and if I ever need legal representation in the future, I would not hesitate to hire her again.
If you were going through a divorce, or just want a consultation about your options, do not hesitate. Hire her before your spouse does.
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08 Sep, 2022 by Cameron
Danielle came highly recommended for a acrimonious custody case I was about to undergo. She fought for me and I knew she had my children and my best interest in mind. Danielle took the time to listen to me, walked me through the process and was honest with me about my strengths and weaknesses in the case. Through the months Danielle was communicative, passionate and felt she always had my back. In the courtroom, Ms. Pratt was sharp, quick-witted, professional and acquainted. Danielle is an absolute brilliant and dedicated attorney with the experience you need to win!
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22 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Danielle has been in my divorce case for almost a year. She has never wavered in her support and drive to see this to the end. No matter what she stood by me.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Noah singer
Super easy and efficient to work with. I'd go back for any will/trust needs.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Venki g (venkee14)
The office staff was amazing, they clearly explained me the process and sent me necessary forms to be filled before reviewing with the attorney and was able to setup an appointment soon. The attorney that I worked with reviewed the forms prior to a phone consultation and only asked relevant questions and was pleasant to work with. The attorney clearly explained any doubts that I had. I had reminder calls from the office before the day of the appointment, which is really appreciated. They clearly inform the things needed on the day of the appointment. Since there is so much work and planning done before the appointment, the actual appointment and the paper work is just quick, easy and efficient. Highly recommend them for your will and trust related needs.
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29 Jan, 2024 by John lindh
Not Mill Creek
114 second avenue South
Edmonds Wa.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.6
28 Reviews
12 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Although my struggles are not over yet, Katherine got me out of one of the hardest possitions I ever dreamed of finding myself in.
She not only edgucated me on the Law but pulled me out of a corner I put myself in. Without her legal Aid, my voice would have never been properly heard.
I paid another lawyer twice what I paid Katherine just to jepurdise my case.
Let me just say without this Law Firm I may have never had the glimps of hope, I have for my child now. Thank you Katherine!!!
Let me not forget about madeline. She was with me every minute of the whole case. at every hr!!! she was very nice and answered every question I answered!
I had an emergancy, where my childs mother wanted to send a stranger out of no where, across states to transport our child... I sent madaline a Email as I was panicking. Wondering if I had to actually hand my child over to a stranger. She quickly got back to me at night time and said. No, you do not have to give your child to a stranger. Unless the BM is there.
I could not know where I would be without these 2, but if I had to guess. Without their quick thinking and fast preparation. Probably in a way worse place then I am now.
I am forever greatful! Thank Tresa Sadler...
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26 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Before working with Tresa and her team, I believed I had to choose between an unpersonable, matter-of-fact attorney or one who offered comfort but lacked courtroom aggression. However, Tresa shattered this misconception. Combining her unmatched expertise with genuine compassion, she strikes the perfect balance. Throughout the entire legal process, I felt empowered by her unwavering dedication and strategic approach, ensuring my best interests were protected.
Tresa, thank you for proving that it is possible to have it all – a skilled attorney who genuinely cares. You and your team have truly made a significant impact on my life.
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23 Jun, 2023 by Beni
Tresa and her team are extremely knowledgeable, very responsive and have won for me every time in court. I first retained Tresa in 2021 and my ex has taken me to court at least 1-2 times per year since. Tresa won a contempt case against the mother, but more notably Tresa won a full trial to prevent child relocation. WA state relocation law favors the parent with more residential time and in my case that is the mother. I have a typical EOW and mid-week visit parenting plan. However, Tresa successfully won a full trial and prevented my ex from moving out of state with our child. Other attorneys told me I had a 10% chance to win just due to the law. Nonetheless, Tresa fought hard for me. She is absolutely fantastic and puts your wishes first. She’s extremely knowledgeable about family law and I would recommend her to anyone!
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14 Oct, 2020 by Dave
James is a nice man and a seasoned lawyer. My experience with him was unacceptable, however, and I was forced to find a new lawyer. There are four areas that you should address with James, in writing, before hiring him:
1) Timeliness. He was impossible to contact by phone, so I was forced to use only email. His email responses took, on average, about 2 weeks. It usually required a second email from me to get him to finally respond. It took him over a month to create a cover letter. He offered an excuse about “a big court case” early on that caused the delays, but his timeliness never improved.
2) Billing practices. I never got a bill, statement, or log from him, ever. I asked for monthly statements at least 3 times. After pulling the plug with his firm about 1/3 of the way into the process, he kept the $5K deposit, simply claiming “There is not a reserve to be refunded”. Note that my case was fairly straightforward and I only met with time twice and never talked to him on the phone.
3) Accuracy. As noted, the cover letter he wrote delayed the process by over a month. But aside from that, he misspelled my ex’s name in it. It was then that I knew I had made a mistake in hiring him.
4) Infrastructure. His legal assistant was much more attentive and detail oriented than James himself. Unfortunately, the firm had computer and storage problems during the time I was with them which may have contributed to the delays and general incompetence.
I would not recommend hiring James. You can certainly find a better lawyer in the area he serves.
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28 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
He was a great asset in helping me through a very nasty divorce where I was accused of DV and harming my children. He kept me sane and got to the truth. He has a strong sense of justice which I found refreshing after my experiences with other lawyers.
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30 Jul, 2012 by Cornelia
James represented me on a DV case which took some twists and turns. He took care of handling talking to necessary authorities and kept me out of jail. His positive attitude kept me relatively calm through this ordeal and in the end the case was dismissed. I plan on retaining James services for another matter that needs to be resolved because I trust his skill and knowledge to get the job done. I highly recommend him to others looking for a lawyer who won't sugar coat the situation and get right to the heart of the matter. He's honest and lets you know exactly what needs to be done so I was never misinformed. James delivers. Thanks for helping us get back on track again.
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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.
