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31 Oct, 2021 by Nicole
Jillian K. Duffy is reliable, trustworthy and will get great results for you. She set me at ease from the first moment we discussed my case. I never once felt inconvenienced and was able to move along with my life as the case progressed. We worked together through mediation and then again in court, with great success!
I’m going to be completely honest here, Duffy is often one of, if not THE smartest person in every room she enters. Having her as your lawyer will ensure that your case is handled with the upmost of care and consideration, alongside a razor-sharp intellect. I doubt she loses often; she even educated our judge (politely, of course) on a few cases to back our stance up; cases that he later used in his findings.
If I ever find myself in need of a lawyer again, my decision will be simple, Jill Duffy, we are 1-0 so far! Thank you again for everything you did for me!
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17 Jan, 2018 by Jenn
Jillian is a fantastic lawyer. A co-worker referred her to me and I could not be happier with the service I received. I retained Jillian to help me navigate my divorce in 2017. She is proactive, smart, responsive, honest, straight-forward and aggressively looked out for my best interests. Jillian was able to convince my ex-husband (and his lawyer) to agree to a settlement that worked for both of us and avoid a long, drawn out court battle. I have already referred Jillian to other friends that need a great attorney and I will continue to recommend her.
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13 Jan, 2018 by Ashley
Jillian is prompt, proactive and very well connected to the community. I needed her advice with several Child Specialists and she was able to make great recommendations based on working with them prior. I have worked with Jillian for the last 5 years on a regular basis and trust her with my life.
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29 Jul, 2017 by Justin
I had a one hour consultation with Obi Chukwu to have him review a joint petition for divorce that my wife and I had drafted. He had a lot of great suggestions as to how I could improve the language in the joint petition. He knew that this would be a one-time session, but he was committed to making sure that all my questions got answered to the best of his ability, even though that meant going 15 minutes over the scheduled time. To Obi Chukwu, I was more than a client; I was a human being. If I ever need a lawyer again in the future, Obi Chukwu is going to be the first person I turn to.
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21 Sep, 2015 by Kings
Mr Chukwu is an excellent Lawyer, very smart and knows his stuff, attentive to clients and goes the extra mile of making sure that the client understands the policies and procedures. He went above and beyond for me and my wife. 10 stars if possible
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12 Jun, 2015 by Sj
I called A LOT of different lawyers, law offices and law organizations to try to find the best lawyer to help with the I-130 immigration process I was going to begin. Obi was by far the most responsive, accessible and honest attorney I found. His price was also fair. I scheduled a one-on-one consultation with him and he was friendly and knew the material very well. He also offered to help me without charge if other questions come up in the future in relation to my situation. I strongly recommend Obi to anyone.
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26 Aug, 2019 by Tom
Gus is a true professional, very on top of things and very open. I would recommend him to anyone and likely will. I'm very pleased.
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13 Nov, 2016 by Irene
Konstandinos (Gus) Nicklow of Meshbesher & Spence provided phenomenal legal representation for my mother who was a pedestrian victim of a car accident. He treated her case as if though it was his own mother's case!
Even prior to be retained, Gus thoroughly informed us of the legal issues involved and clearly explained the potential risks and rewards of alternative approaches to her claim.
Gus' exceptional communicative skills eased the process tremendously. He is communicates in a proactive and timely manner as well as is prompt to respond to phone calls or emails and is readily accessible to meet in person when necessary.
Gus Nicklow provided legal representation above and beyond our expectations and is highly recommended!
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24 Oct, 2016 by Steven & barb
A colleague recommended Meshbesher & Spence to us and we were glad he did. Gus Nicklow represented us with our automobile accident claim. We had never dealt with lawyers before, and we were somewhat nervous about starting the process, but Nick quickly put us at ease. He calmly and clearly explained the process, and answered all our questions. Claims can take months to be resolved, but Nick and his assistant, Janna, kept us updated and continued to advise us as the case progressed. Gus was able to settle the claim to our satisfaction, and we were able to move on from a bad auto crash experience because of this. I would highly recommend Gus Nicklow to any of our family members or friends.
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29 Jan, 2017 by Ron
I needed the advice of a bankruptcy attorney. An acquaintance of mine, a previous client of Brea, recommended her highly.
I made the initial call for a first consultation, conveniently set for a Saturday morning.
Her office is located near the U of M with lots of free parking. I liked that.
Brea gives the immediate impression of caring, of being genuine.
We sat and talked. I explained my situation, that I had not yet decided to file for bankruptcy as a solution. She asked questions with a professional focus and efficiency and never once pressured me to a decision.
I left comforted with the tools needed to start a petition if I so decided.
I took a rather long time to file. Brea kept my creditors at bay.
My questions were always answered quickly by phone, text or email. Her directions were always clear and accurate.
In the end a court date was established. Brea met me at the court location, the court session minutes brief.
We all know each client case is different, but in my case I wish to note that my legal fees were very modest, quite below my expectations.
Now, in reading the reviews here, I see there is a consistent Five Star Theme. These Stars are earned. Please include mine.
Kudos to Brea. Thanks for being a Good Human Being.
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08 Sep, 2016 by Brian
It's been several years since my bankruptcy, and I've come to consider finding Brea to be one of the many blessings from God in my life. She volunteers her time at a free bankruptcy advice clinic, and when I met her there, I was extremely impressed by her combination of knowledge, compassion, and sincerity. Thankfully I had already spent a lot of time shopping around for a good bankruptcy lawyer, so when I met Brea I could easily recognize how amazing she was in terms of her personality, competency, and her fair pricing.
Brea was a true advocate during the bankruptcy process. She knew everything we would face, and she thoroughly advised us on it in advance. She never cut any corners or rushed us through things, instead she invested real, quality time into making sure we were coming through the bankruptcy in the absolute best way possible. On top of that, she stuck to all the laws and procedures and never even hinted at doing anything dishonest or halfway, which was important to me.
I can't speak highly enough about the quality of representation you will receive from Ms. Buettner-Stanchfield. I have referred several of my family and friends who unfortunately found themselves in a similar situation to the one I went through, and I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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10 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Ms. Buettner-Stanchfield was very knowledgable and helpful during what was otherwise a very stressful time. I was told what to expect before, during and after my bankruptcy and I never had to feel like I was on my own. She's definitely the right choice!
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22 Feb, 2024 by Brandon
Christa is amazing and she coordinated me to work with Jessica Rugani a former prosecutor that works for the firm now. Jessica was detailed, precise, knowledgeable, and worked very well with the prosecutor in my case. I am thoroughly pleased with the outcome. Jessica did a great job communicating with me and helping me understand my case and helping me process the information.
I had a previous lawyer who really screwed up and I was not happy and Jessica and Christa took over my case and so I was very worried that I’d have a bad experience but everything they said they were going to do, they did. The outcome they said we were going to get, we got.
I’m very happy with results and I can’t Thank you enough!
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21 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
After many years in the family court system, I finally found an attorney that would best represent the needs and wishes of my children. The whole staff at Groshek law showed genuine interest in getting to know our case. Mrs. Groshek treated me and our children as individuals and I felt very included in all the decisions regarding our case. The whole team at Groshek Law were very responsive and always available for questions. There was no "guessing" when it came to fees or retainers. I know we would not be in the place we are now, if it wasn't for Christa's keen legal experience. I would and have recommended Groshek Law to family and friends and all the single mothers and fathers that need assistance navigating through the difficult legal process of the family court system.
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28 Oct, 2010 by Tim
Christa took my case I had and against all odds showed nothing but professionalism, intelligence, and down right rocked my case! My case was dismissed by her talents! Don't believe me? email me at [Email Address removed by Avvo]. I will say nothing but great things about Christa!!!
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02 Mar, 2015 by Kim
I had some estate planning to take care of and wasn't sure how to go about it. Eric Miklasevics is an attorney in my neighborhood that was very easy to work with. I felt very comfortable asking questions and he was able to work with me in a style that made sense. I'm 40, so this stuff isn't exactly what I think about all the time. Eric brought up good questions when I was figuring out my Healthcare Directive.
What's great about Eric is that, while he's very knowledgable, he doesn't present himself in a way that is intimidating or stuffy. My perception would have been that this would be an uncomfortable process that would make me realize just how much stuff I didn't have. I'm not a rich person, so "estate planning" for me was about taking care of my partner and my dogs when I die. Pretty bare bones, but I didn't feel stupid for asking Eric to do it.
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14 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Eric represented my adult child when she needed legal services as a result of problems with substance abuse. He was knowledgeable, quick to respond to phone calls, very supportive of my daughter and her situation, but did all of this in a professional manner without being codependent; as a result, she was willing to face some consequences for her behavior. In addition, his fees were very reasonable.
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26 Aug, 2012 by Stacy
My car was totaled in an accident just when I was in the middle of a stressful and busy time in my life. I hired Eric to handle negotiations with the car insurance companies involved, and I'm so glad I did. He made sure the insurance company provided me a rental car, got a quick resolution and I walked away with a higher settlement than I'd expected. But most importantly, he quickly and responsibly managed all the details with the insurance companies so that I didn't have to worry about a thing. He made the whole experience much less stressful.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Thomas
I will recommend Rhia to everyone I know without hesitation. Her knowledge , experience and understanding of the intricacies necessary to successfully navigate the legal process were head and shoulders above my expectations.
My dissoulution with child process took over a year and a half. Choosing a lawyer was tough because let's be honest, lawyers have a certain reputation when generalized as a whole(Not Rhia). I found a lawyer who fit all of those stereotypes (Not Rhia) and promptly fired her in exchange for Rhia's services.
Rhia was responsive , communicated clearly (without all that lawyer babble) and at no point did I ever feel like she wasn't paying attention. She even worked through her maternity leave when my family experienced a crisis .
Every step of the way Rhia ensured I was informed and comfortable with each choice we made together. She presented facts, options, advice and so much more.
In the long preparation for my case , I compiled a truckload of exhibits and information , all of which Rhia reviewed analyzed and utilized in my case. I was very impressed with the preparation process.
Then we went to trial. RHIA KICKED ASS.
Part of me feels like I should leave it at that but I will elaborate. Rhia is an expert in the courtroom. She was calm cool collected and calculated. Every Direct or Cross examination of a witness exemplified superior preparation and excellent skill in uncovering the truths of the situation. Wow.
Words can't express how much Rhia has exceeded my expectations.
If you have read this far, you are like me when I started this process. Doing whatever you can to find the right attorney and not get ripped off. Look no further because you will never find another attorney who is more fair. Honestly I would feel guilty in just paying Rhia the amount she asked for . She truly went above and beyond every step of the way. You would be crazy to even look up another lawyer.
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20 Mar, 2016 by Thomas
I have been in turmoil for over a year now since deciding to file for my divorce/custody case.
During a time of desperation when I needed help protecting my child and the attorney I had been working with remained unresponsive, I sought out help from a family advocate center.
I did my research from the list the center had provided of lawyers they knew could handle my special circumstances and immediately zeroed in on Mrs. Gronberg. I have been thankful of this choice every day!
Rhia responded to my very firsy inquiry with quick, helpful answers and the assurance that she was confidently proficient in handling cases like mine. She even went as far as to provide me with resources I could use to help myself while I weighed out retaining a new attorney.
Since retaining her, Rhia has handled everything from small questions to urgent matters in a manner that's made me feel she genuinely cares about how my family is impacted every step of the way, and not once making me feel like I'm just another case on her list working/waiting on her time. She has even responded to a handful of pressing matters late at night and on weekends- which continues to be unexpected in the legal world, but has made all the difference in my case and life! Even during those "off-hour" responses, Rhia's pricing has remained the same, which is by far more fair and worthwhile than I've ever seen in any simar situation! My gratitude towards her attentiveness and understanding is immeasurable.
These proceedings have not been easy at any step, but Rhia's expertise and encouragement have kept me going through every uncertainty and heart-wrenching blow as s a father in the judicial system. I'm certain I would have folded long ago and regretted it every day since and felt forced/defeated into surrendering my child to the will of my (soon to be) ex if I were under any other attorney's advisement.
Whether you need a reliable professional to simply review a single legal document, or you need a compassionate attorney willing to partner for the long haul, Rhia will make you feel secure and like a top priority every step of the way. She's got the legal know-how with the personal touch of real care. I will continue to recommend her to anyone I meet in need of legal services!
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21 Apr, 2010 by Anonymous
Barry was a great attorney with a lot of experience. He had intimate knowledge of the legal process and a lot of experience with different judges and lawyers. He was almost always available by cell and email and responded quickly to questions and concerns.
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18 Mar, 2010 by Anonymous
Barry Edwards has proven himself to be not only articulate and well-informed, but also concerned and caring about his clients. He has gone beyond what was expected in researching, gathering facts, and keeping on top of my issue, and has shown the utmost in professionalism. Even though busy, Barry made me feel that my case was at the top of the stack. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for competent help with their legal matters.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
The poor review for this firm is from an individual that the attorney needed to seek a harassment restraining order against. The basis for that request involves extortion in 2021. The 2924 review perpetuates the harassment. Public records in Hennepin County detail the facts.
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22 Sep, 2018 by Cory
On several occasions my small business ran into jargon way above a mason. I meen we install tile not challenge the document monster.
Mercedes has an ability to put you at ease, with knowledge and understanding.
If I had to challenge a monster, she is the knight in shining armor.
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03 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Marian is very knowledgeable and helped me keep the frustration and worry of the situation at bay. Just knowing she was In our corner and had all our best interests in mind made a difficult situation more tolerable. She is cognizant of all issues, including our financial wellbeing and does a great job explaining all the options for better or worse.
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05 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I used Marian several years ago when going through my divorce. She was very knowledgeable and knew how to approach dealing with a narcissist which was a huge comfort for me while going through this difficult situation. Now that I have to go back and deal with issues again, I searched her out in her new firm and it settled my nerves immediately. I have recommended her to friends as well.
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31 May, 2015 by Mirbod
I was very pleased with the advice, responsiveness and support during a really difficult times. Mr. Day expertise and work ethic exceeded my expectations. I never had any difficulty contacting them, and they always kept me informed...
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31 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Eric Day is a professional, compassionate lawyer..... and affordable. He handle my divorce quickly and smoothing...... I highly recommended Eric's services!
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17 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Goldstein was the most caring and responsive attorney I have ever worked with. He put my children's care needs first and helped me get to a safer place in my life.
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29 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Charles made sure that my divorce went smoothly for my children and always had my best interests at heart. I would highly recommend Charles for all of your family law needs- he is truly a wonderful man!
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25 Oct, 2024 by Dylan huhn
24 Oct, 2024 by Chase unruh
Brian Karalus’s expertise in DUI law was evident, and he worked diligently to secure the best possible outcome for me. I appreciate his responsiveness and willingness to answer all my questions, no matter how small. Thanks to his hard work, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I highly recommend Brian to anyone in need of legal representation for DUI cases. He truly goes above and beyond for his clients
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27 Jun, 2024 by Adam christoffersen
Brian saved me from false accusations that could have been incredibly damaging to my reputation and career. I cannot recommend Brian enough. He pays close attention to detail so he can defend you to the best of his ability. He truly cares about his clients, and fights for you with intense passion. He is patient with his clients, incredibly knowledgeable and informative, and always responds as soon as he can, and is available any time of the day. If I could give 10 stars for his review I would. This guy knows his stuff. Trust this man, hire him if you need someone to defend you, you will not regret it. Thank you for everything Brian!
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07 Jun, 2017 by Joy
We had to find a new attorney for the end of our case. We were referred to Ryan. He had a large quantity of work to do in a very short time. But from the first call to this day Ryan and his WHOLE team did and do everything they can to get it right. We left him in a hard spot because our previous attorney basically was unresponsive to calls and totally misrepresented and mislead us at trial. Ryan did 100 times more work in 2 weeks then our other attorney did in 1 1/2 years. Always responds to calls and messages. Has awesome support staff and team members that make you feel that you matter. Ryan and his firm are professional, yet very caring and get the work done! We really wish that we would have known of this firm to start. They are real law firm that go to all lengths to get it right.
To this day if we have questions or concerns, we can contact the firm and get information.
I can not say enough about Ryan and his Firm. They care and do the work.
If you need a attorney to get you through a difficult situation they will do their best to get you a fair conclusion.
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26 Jan, 2013 by Arthur r. martinez attorney at law
I have worked with Attorney Holly Frame in cases in State and Federal Court. She is brilliant. Whoever she represents will be in the most excellent hands
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03 Nov, 2020 by Megan
I was referred to Ms. Susan Daudelin when faced with an Appeal in February 2020. I had spoken with a few other Appeals Attorneys but none were as versed and educated as Ms. Daudelin. What compelled me most, was she asked to see my previous court orders and had a genuine interest in my case, before speaking with me. Ms. Daudelin wanted to know what lead to the Appeal and showed genuine interest for my families wellbeing. Ms. Daudelin was upfront and gave me best case scenarios and worst case scenarios. Ms. Daudelin was able to navigate the appeals process and eloquently put our case together which lead to a solid prevail. Ms. Daudelins extensive time within the courts shows and reflects within her detailed work. Ms. Daudelin was able to navigate the hearing with professionalism, ease and was prepared for the Judges inquires and concerns. I highly and eagerly recommend anyone faced with an Appeal to contact Ms. Susan Daudelin.
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19 Aug, 2017 by Sewa aifw
Sewa-Aifw is a social services agency serving underserved vulnerable population in Minnesota. Finding a lawyer to serve these communities is like finding needle in a haystack. Bill came forward and am thankful to him for taking a very complicated client that has language barriers. Thank you for taking this case that has custody battles.
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23 May, 2012 by Mk
Liz was fantastic to work with. I live out of state but Dakota County still had jurisdiction and it was very easy to work with her via phone and email. She worked quickly but effectively especially on what was a difficult case.
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17 Dec, 2015 by Margaret
Laurie Savran has my great respect as a lawyer and a human being. I had excellent experiences with her as my family law attorney and later to assist me with a boundary dispute. Both issues were resolved very successfully with her help. A friend of mine also worked with her as a family law attorney and she, too, had only accolades for Laurie. Please give her a chance to explain what she can do for you if you are looking for someone who skillfully applies legal solutions from a human, client-centered approach.
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22 Aug, 2010 by Chris
Laura could not have done her job any better. I'm so happy with the outcome of my case. She EXCEEDED expectations by a long shot. In the court room she was very supportive and helpful. She is very smart and came up with a creative solution to my problem. I would HIGHLY recommend her for any type of case.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Scot
Zach was my divorce attorney. Listened to what I wanted and pursued that outcome. Set realistic expectations. Brave enough to tell me things I needed to know but might not want to hear. Very responsive.
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23 Feb, 2011 by Anonymous
I hired Lymari Santana to get me through a less then amicable divorce with young children. She's helped me see the matter-of-fact in my situation which helps ground me in my process. Divorce with young kids is not easy for anyone involved especially my children. She looks out for their best interests no matter what the emotion might be at the moment. She has had the backbone when I don't/ didn't and she's one of the most professional lawyers I have had the pleasure to meet. Lymari is confident, focused and well organized. Her focus is doing the right thing and it shows through her hard work and when you're dealing with a lawyer it is not always so common. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through divorce with child custody issues. Through her experience in family law Lymari has the tools needed to be your voice of reason, support and sanity in a very chaotic time.
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19 May, 2015 by Pamela
Karen was an excellent divorce attorney, and provided great guidance and support throughout the process. This divorce case was extremely long and drawn out, and required a lot of patience on her part as far as dealing with the opposition. My case required an abundance of paperwork, numerous orders and I continued to require her services for several years, dealing with contempt orders, child and medical support obligations, affidavits, and required court appearances. She was very thorough with my case, and always went through every possible scenario with me so that I understood exactly what was happening. I would very strongly recommend Karen Ives; I had a very positive experiece and valued her organization, diligence and attention to detail. I also appreciated her thoughtfulness, kind words and understanding nature. She was very helpful and I continue to use her services to this day.
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15 Feb, 2013 by James
Your services were very helpful in the success of my case, I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for an immigration attorney.
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13 Jun, 2015 by Dr. andy
I hired Mr. Boulette back in August 2012 to defend from the "blood sucking" ex, the mother of my two estranged children on my child support obligations. This woman had the audacity to certify mailed me a packet with a stack of children's medical bills asked for a total over $13,000 middle of no where while I paid her $4000/month (on time) in child support. Mr. Boulette was professional, prompt on emails and phone calls, and thorough on my case after an initial complimentary phone consultation. After Mr. Boulette's assessment of all the medical bills, he found ONLY $900 out of those $13K medical bills were legal under the law and judge's orders. A HUGE WIN for me, Mr. Boulette's knowledge, and a BIG F to the mother of my estranged children! Thank you Mike for all your help and attention to my case. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Tj voss
06 Sep, 2023 by Magda cedeño
Excelente abogada de emigracion: Lucy Egberg 100% la recomiendo super feliz por ayudarme con mis casos de emigración.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Kim glam artistry
The lawyer Erika Davis helped me with both of my cases.She helped me win both cases and was wonderful and very professional throughout the whole process.I recommend her very much she’s great!
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28 Jan, 2025 by N a
The front desk lady, i think michelle, is so sweet. Excellent customer service and welcoming demeanor.
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25 Aug, 2023 by Sherri brown
Mr. Joseph Wetch was my attorney on a personal injury case. He was very informative in every aspect of the progress of my case.He worked tirelessly to get the best results for me. I have great respect for him and his abilities . I will forever be grateful to him for his expertise.
Cheryl Brown
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16 Sep, 2022 by Neil clark
Lommen Abdo Law Firm has done a absolutely fantastic job resolving cooperate litigation to personal legal issues for me.
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23 May, 2019 by Kylee oatmeal time!
ICONIC
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08 Sep, 2018 by Sue kaiser
Over the 13 years I’ve known and worked with Elliot, I have come to understand his passion for the practice of law and unique/difficult personal injury cases. He is energized to learn new things in order to fully understand the intricacies of a case. He is intelligent, organized, down to earth, compassionate and extremely kind. Because I have the utmost trust in him, I have referred several people to Elliot over the years and if the day comes that I need him, he’ll be my only call.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Scott harford
It has been nothing short of a privilege to work as co-counsel with Elliot on a number cases regarding foodborne illness, Legionnaires' disease, and motor vehicle accidents. Elliot is deeply committed to his clients and determined to obtain them the best possible result. I endorse him on nothing but the highest level.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Benjamin jackson
12 Jan, 2024 by Michael s stewart sr
15 Mar, 2023 by Flyppc
18 Jul, 2018 by Jeff hames
Experienced and professional!
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08 Jan, 2014 by Ryan s
Recently had a custody and child support battle with the mother of my nine year old daughter.
As biased as Minnesota Courts are against fathers, I went into this battle very discouraged already. Derk Schweiger was amazing in court, and I felt that because of his professional demeanor, articulateness, and sheer brilliance in court, the judge was able to see where I was coming from, and my life situation, my desire to better myself as a man, and my desire to be a father. The judgment was more than fair, and I was very happy that I chose Derk to be my lawyer. I have referred him to several people, and if need be, I will definitely call upon him again. He was professional, organized, clever, and not as expensive as other lawyers in the metro area.
Thanks again! -Ryan Wagner
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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.
