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14 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
She helped me through a tough divorce. She kept me informed and did not mince words along the way. She let me know what to expect along the way was always right on. Even when I wanted things to go another way, she was thoughtful and kept my expectations in check. I appreciated her methods and her results.
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15 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Excellent Attorney, very professional demeanor . I was very impressed by her ability to verbalize her case with direct and true to the point and meaning. Her personal persona and body movement was of a way of an angel moving in my presence with high intelligence. I would highly recommend this attorney with a more than 5 star rating .
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20 Jan, 2020 by Stephanie
As a professional in the area of high conflict divorce and custody where addiction, violence and personality disorders are at play, I have had the privilege of supporting many families through eviscerating circumstances towards peace.
As a result, I have also had the experience of working with over a hundred family law attorneys.
Often family law attorneys are overextended and commit to being hired by clients they know they aren’t a good fit for. Or allow themselves to be hired and when the case exceeds their expertise continue without bringing in others to the team that could best support their client.
Ms. Stapleton is the opposite of the above stated common scenarios.
Ms. Stapleton is the quintessential professional in addition to being compassionate, brilliant and caring.
Part of being brilliant is knowing when your efficacy could use subject matter experts with deep well knowledge in areas that will benefit your client. Ms.Stapleton adds subject matter experts to her team, frequently at her own expense, to make sure everything being attended to is beyond approach and/or sustainable argument.
This is not common. Upon countless occasions I have seen attorneys commonly take on a case even knowingly outside their expertise and after things are underway - tell the client to research their options or circumstances. The last thing a client needs is a highly paid hired expert to out resource their work back to them- particularly amidst such distress where basic daily survival is an accomplishment.
Ms.Stapleton would never, I repeat, never abandon a client or resource legal work back to them.
Most attorneys over extend themselves to keep their billable time optimal, at the sacrifice of their client.
Ms.Stapleton would never do this. She maintains a client base that allows maximum efficacy to the point you truly feel you are her only client.
In addition to being a professional in the field, I have been one of Ms.Stapleton’s clients.
My case was complex, nuanced, lengthy- and took unexpected twists into the need for immediate protective orders for myself and my children due to unanticipated violence and other types of criminal conduct.
Ms.Stapleton was unflappable. She brought in additional experts deftly and stayed ahead of the situation.
With Ms.Stapleton I knew I was being advocated for and that beyond all else she truly had the best interest of myself and my children in mind.
Hire her. You will be grateful to yourself for doing so. I guarantee it.
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07 Nov, 2016 by Peter
The BEST attorney I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I would highly recommend her to any of my friends and family! Kate consistently stayed on top of our case, maintaining the integrity of our case even during difficult times experienced by my family. Her professionalism is above par and I would hire her again in a heartbeat!
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02 Jul, 2015 by Mike
I would like to let everyone know how much I appreciate Robert's outstanding service. I have referred several clients to him and they all tell me he does an outstanding job and is a true professional.
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01 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
We have dealt with many attorneys over the years, but none have ever come close to the excellence of Bob Grosser. He is well versed in the law, and made us always feel as we were in the best hands, as we were. In so many legal situations, clients can feel overwhelmed and concerned. That was never the case with Bob. He always made us feel as if we were his only clients, and was never in a rush to answer all of our questions. He made a difficult situation comfortable, and we always felt at ease with Bob handling our legal needs. We will never consider another attorney for our legal needs, and would give him the highest recommendation possible.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Jim
Michelle is awesome. Her skill craft is lean and professional. She prepares well, and shows up for battle. If she accepts your case, you will know you are in good hands. Armed only with the facts she is a powerful presence in a courtroom. I know, I witnessed it I'm glad she was on my side. Thanks Michelle. I hope I never need you again.
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23 Oct, 2012 by Samuel
By far the nicest attorney I have ever dealt with. Ms. Funkenbusch was very helpful and kept me very well informed throughout the entire case. The amount of time she spent on my case was great and her fees were very reasonable. If you need legal help she is definitely the one to go to!
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26 Sep, 2021 by Saphire muldrew
Great people with exceptional services
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08 May, 2021 by Luke edmondson
Very plesent and knowledgeable.
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16 Mar, 2016 by Erin
We had a complicated child custody case involving divorce and third party custody of a minor child, and Mark and Cara absolutely delivered. They did exactly what they promised us they would do in our initial consultation. They were always patient, courteous and available. Like most custody cases, ours was extremely emotional and stressful, and on my day in front of the judge, I was a total nervous wreck. Having Cara and Mark standing with me made me feel more at ease, and was definitely a comfort. My only (tiny) compliant would be, I felt I had to chase after them a bit to stay informed about the status of my case. However, I can admittedly be a little obsessive and I am definitely a worrier, so I may have required more attention than usual. That being said, they always got back to me in a timely manner, and were very understanding. I would absolutely recommend Haefner Law Office to anyone looking for help with a custody case. They took us on without hesitation, even though we needed them to work miracles and do something they really had never done before. They made this stressful, exhausting process more bearable and less intimidating. We now have sole legal custody of our daughter, and that piece of mind is worth the cost of hiring Mark and Cara a million times over.
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23 Oct, 2015 by Stacy
I hired Mark for a modification in my divorce . I did it by myself when I filed for divorce & knew I did not want to go it alone again .
Mark and Cara were extremely professional & thorough when explaining outcomes , the proper steps they were taking & what needed to be done . They kept me updated regularly on what was going on and even called me before going to court as well as meeting me and explaining what could/would happen , right before going in .
They won my case & I got everything I asked for & then some that I didn't even expect . I would definitely hire them again and recommend them again . Words cannot express how grateful I was to have their help .
Like many others , I researched the firm as well as many others before consulting and eventually hiring Mark . I do not regret my choice .
The other thing I want to add is that I told him the names of a few other law offices I had visited and consulted with and he had nothing but positive things to say about those firms & was respectful in his opinions of them even though they were positive comments .
I can't say enough how happy I am with the outcome of my court case , thanks to Mark and Cara .
If you want an attorney on your side who will fight for not only what you deserve but go beyond that , this is the firm .
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30 Jul, 2018 by Roger
Mr. Kershman represented me in my original divorce and a subsequent custody modification. I strongly recommend this firm. Mr. Kershman is very knowledgeable and responsive. My interests and the interests of my children were well represented. More than just going through the motions, Mr. Kershman worked strategically with deliberate thought given to even the smallest of details. My case was complex, but my attorney was confident and capable throughout.
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27 Feb, 2013 by Stephanie
I would recommend John to anyone going through a divorce. John provided me expert advice, clarity, and and sound decision making at a critical point in my life. My case was complex in the fact that my ex owned his own business, and John provided the insight to investigate all possibilities to ensure the maximum settlement that I deserved. John is incredibly trustworthy and truly represented my best interests - not just what he could bill for. Although the divorce was extremely painful, John's guidance, intelligence, and expertise delivered an ideal outcome in a terrible situation.
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23 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Jennifer Rench supported me not just as my knowlegable and talented divorce lawyer, but as a genuine human with empathy. She was like a big sister that tells you the truth and reality, sternly, but with compassion and understanding. My collaborative, separation and divorce was a rocky one due to events that were completely out of my control. She did an amazing job at rolling with the punches and presented my options with explanations and possible outcomes. This helped me feel prepared throughout the process. She empowered me with the knowledge and would tell me her honest opinion, but the decision was always mine. She never made me feel pressured to go one way, or the other, on any of the hundreds of decisions a divorce requires. She would simply ask what I wanted to achieve, and we would work together to get there. I know that during the hardest moments of my life, having Jennifer Rench in my corner made my journey so much easier. Something I'll never forget. If you are in the St. Louis, MO area I would recommend her a thousand times over. She's up to speed on digital everything!! So you can upload the documents she needs in a few clicks, reference all of your documents throughout the process, and collaborate. I was able to work with her from another state via her portal system and Zoom. I could also make payments and view history. I met Jennifer in person, for the first time at the end of my divorce. An
When I did, it was like greeting family. She was able to create that connection miles away, and successfully do her job like the exceptional professional she is. So many people worry about virtual services, but don't be! Her firm is a well oiled machine and never misses a beat. Everything was always organized, on time, explained, and communicated well. The scheduling process is easy and she's flexible when needed. I hope to never need her services again, lol but I recommend her to everyone I meet who mentions divorce or separation. Thanks for everything Jennifer!
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05 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I was struggling with understanding any legal lingo that was prepared by my ex-wife's uncontested attorney. More importantly I was just suppose to "trust" that we would be fair. I had never went thru this process & didn't want to be blindsided by an obligations.
Jennifer took the time to go over the paperwork and answered all the questions that filled my mind. Very happy with her patience and gave me peace of mind!!
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17 May, 2021 by Mary rice
Very honest and nice.
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09 Sep, 2020 by Candace tatum
Excellent!!! Best in town
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10 Apr, 2019 by Allison
Best experience ever!! She hands down was every helpful and explained everything going on through my divorce and helped me understand what exactly was going on or what would be happening throughout the process.She was Always available to get in contact with no matter the time of day! I would definitely recommend her to anyone needing an attorney without a second thought. If I ever need another attorney at any given time she will be my go to. Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication to my nasty divorce I couldn't of done it without you!! :)
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15 Jan, 2015 by Derek
Marie lipowicz has been taking care of my traffic tickets for years. Marie keeps you in the loop step by step, she works fast and gets results. Marie was always willing to go the extra mile to make sure I was happy with my service. (hard to find in a attorney).
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03 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Highly professional and skilled in working with high conflict personalities. Truly advocates for the best interest of the children.
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21 Nov, 2013 by Tony
I had Jennifer re-do my parenting plan and make some "adjustments" to the way my ex-wife was acting and, I got the results I was looking for, quickly and very professionally.
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17 May, 2021 by Mary rice
Very honest and nice.
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09 Sep, 2020 by Candace tatum
Excellent!!! Best in town
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11 Dec, 2014 by Michael
Joyce has represented me in the past and I have also referred her numerous clients. She is capable, well-respected in the legal community and scrupulously honest.
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16 Jul, 2014 by Carrie
Very honest and thorough and not a typical lawyer. I will be using her because after the consultation I knew immediately that she could benefit our case.
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25 Aug, 2015 by Vickie
I hired a surveying company to stake the location of my new house. They completed the survey and provided the paperwork very timely - and I promptly paid them. The location was incorrect however, and that is when my nightmare began. They made several trips and kept placing the house in the wrong location on the lot. The measurements on the paperwork did not match the actual location. They wouldn't answer my calls or meet me at the property. The last straw was when they sent me another bill - marked with a discount for "poor customer service". I was very upset and worried they would take me to court or put a lien on my property. Bryan Douglas put me at ease by explaining the laws for placing a lien. He wrote a letter demanding they refund the money I paid them since they did not provide a satisfactory service. Mr. Douglas was knowledgable and provided prompt, courteous service. He made me feel very comfortable and I would not hesitate to call him if I am ever in need of his services. I highly recommend Brian Douglas.
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18 Aug, 2015 by Dan
Mr. Douglas is an excellent choice for an attorney. You will not find anyone who will work harder on your behalf. Very prompt and attentive. Thorough, detail orientated and dedicated to the best possible outcome. I highly recommend him.
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11 Nov, 2019 by Melissa
I was referred to George Halenkamp from a friend to assist in my custody case. He was knowledgeable, attentive, actively listened, and explained all my options, (in the beginning and throughout the entire process). This was not my first experience with a lawyer in this matter but was my most successful. I feel as though I found the perfect person to help guide me through a rough situation. I have already referred Mr. Halenkamp to others and will continue to do so.
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16 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
He did a great job with my divorce. He took the extra step to make sure I understood what was happening and he always returned my calls. I felt like he understood that I was going through a difficult time. I was very happy with the overall result.
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23 Aug, 2022 by Eric
I always felt like Mr. VanNess was straightforward with me and told me what I needed to know. Very personable and honest. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an attorney in the area.
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02 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
We hired Andy to represent us in our child custody modification case. As with any family law case, emotions run high but he was our rock and voice of reason. He kept our eyes on the longterm goal when our perspective was clouded by anger, fear, and grief. His in-depth legal knowledge and tireless work gave us an indescribable peace and assurance during a time where everything felt as if it were teetering on a knife edge.
We could not have prayed for a more compassionate and hardworking lawyer than Andy. He was patient with us, spending countless hours with us on the phone and giving assurance when our case reached a fever pitch. He fought by our side until the very end.
As with family law, no outcome is guaranteed but I can say with complete honesty that, even if our case had not ended in our child's favor, we would have still been proud to have him by our side. He is a formidable lawyer, a powerful ally, and a trusted friend.
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12 Mar, 2017 by Shannon
I've worked with Bond for several years. He's helped my family with personal and business legal issues. He's easy to reach and very effective. I highly recommend him.
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10 Mar, 2017 by Tracy
MR. BOND WILKINSON PROVIDED LEGAL COUNSEL FOR A FAMILY MATTER INVOLVING MY DAUGHTER. SHE SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND INADVERTENTLY CAUSED PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE TO A HOME. MR. WILKINSON REDUCED THE FINE AND VIOLATION CHARGE. HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO ATTEND NIGHT COURT IN WILDWOOD MO. HE IS VERY EASY TO WORK WITH. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND HIM FOR ANY OF YOUR LEGAL NEEDS.
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03 Mar, 2019 by Billy
Mr. Dudley has represented Me on several occasions in different areas of the court from criminal to civil and I've got a 100% satisfaction Every time hes passionate about the law and he knows Law if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
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05 Jan, 2015 by Deon
I would recommend Blake to any father going through a divorce. Blake is passionate about his duties as an attorney. Throughout the process of my divorce/custody battle, he cared about and dedicated himself to it. Mr. Dudley is very knowledgeable in the process, procedures and law when it comes to a divorce.
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03 Apr, 2019 by Michelle
Rob helped my daughter and myself with some traffic tickets, he was very professional and kept us informed of the process, and what we needed to do on our end. He was prompt and great to work with, he made this process simple and provided great service. I appreciated his help.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Zac
He reduced several traffic Ticket's for me. Also did my father;s Divorce and did a great job at keeping everyone informed.
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14 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Gina does a thorough job on contracts and any case she has handled for our company over the past couple of years. She is upfront & honest and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a quality attorney.
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12 May, 2015 by Steve
Gina recently represented me in my divorce and I am extremely pleased with the outcome. She explained the law as it applied to my situation and provided me with many options. She was described to me as a “bull dog” and she delivered. But she also encouraged me to discuss the issues with my wife and with her guidance, we ultimately reached a settlement. She kept me up to date on the status of my case and she and her staff were always accessible to me when I had questions. I felt comfortable discussing the issues with her. Divorce isn't cheap, but as they say, you get what you pay for and her knowledge, efficiency and service were well worth the cost.
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08 Jun, 2011 by Jds california mo
A Judgment was entered in default in another State against me with no service, no notice, no chance to defend myself. A former girlfriend had unknowingly put me on a lease for a home (she apparently signed my name to a rental contract). After she was evicted for not paying her rent, apparently the landlord through his attorney, came after not only her but also me. A 'collection' attorney from St Louis attempted to register that default judgment in Moniteau County and then put a lien on my bank account right before Christmas. This was the first I knew of the action.
I contacted Attorney Bryan Wolford to assist me in my defense. Attorney Wolford gained all the information he needed from the out of state court, presented the information to the Judge here. The case was dismissed and all the funds that were being held by the Court Clerk were returned to my bank account. Not knowing how to defend myself in the legal system, I would have been out a couple thousand dollars and paying for this judgment entered in default over 10 years ago against me when it should never have been entered to begin with. I highly recommend Attorney Bryan Wolford. He acted quickly on the matter, was very professional and had my case completed within 60 days!!!
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04 Jan, 2011 by Db
As landlords, we were having some serious issues with a tennant. It was obvious to us we needed the advise/help of an attorney. Our small town has several, and we had in fact used a different attorney in a situation several years prior. We were not happy with the choice of representation we had made in the past and we chose to go with the 'new' attorney in town. Attorney Wolford handled our matter competitently and quickly and didn't gouge us on the price for his work. He was available to speak to us, even after hours. If you are wanting an attorney who is reasonable, works hard for his clients, one who actually takes the time to listen and speak with you, I would highly recommend Attorney Wolford.
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05 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
Bronwyn's value is not only her expertise in law and legal representation, but she takes every case with sincerity, which leads to doing all the homework, all the research and being prepared for next steps....before the next steps appear. She's always thinking of next steps.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Bob
I was so impressed with Bronwyn's amazing attention to detail, and her ability to make me understand complicated legal matters. Her knowledge, work ethic and compassion let me know I was in good hands from Day One to the successful completion of my case.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Robert
Excellent legal advice at a reasonable price. Highly recommend his services.
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14 Jun, 2019 by Christy
Terry Neff handled all my criminal and family problems after I was widowed. My personal injury seemed over powering and hopeless but in the face adversity Terry Neff helped me overcome.
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03 Oct, 2019 by Rebecca
Deanna handled a divorce for me and was a professional, competent and compassionate attorney. I am very happy with the results.
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11 Apr, 2014 by Joan
Mr. Burcke was very well informed. He helped me resolve a complex estate problem with excellent results. I highly recommend him.
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16 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Malia has been an excellent lawyer throughout my custody case. She is a very ethical lawyer. She has the best interest of her client in mind. I was recommended by a friend, to hire her. I would absolutely recommend her to others as well.
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17 Jan, 2014 by Sharon
I was thrown in Brandis' lap at the last minute. SHE IS PHENOMINAL! She was an awesome attorney in court My Dr wanted me.placed in a 30 day program that I did not need. I was never in a court fighting for my freedom. Brandi got the Judge to see me & know I didn't need that program. Bramdi won! Which meant I was free & got to go home. Even though she only talked to me for 4 hours or less she was A MIRACLE WORKER for me.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Rita
We have been utilizing Andy services for years and he's awesome. He consistently provides excellent service and always does what he says.
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27 Jun, 2018 by Stephanie
Mr. Pietz is a wonderful, patient, caring, and a thorough lawyer.
He has a very calm demeanor which made me calm. Talks in a manor that is comfortable (not a fast talker), and does not cut you off when you are talking. Very tentative to your needs and concerns. He will confirm with you if you understand and if you have any questions. Very detailed in explaining the process in a way that you will understand. Mr. Pietz will call you and give you updates I never had to call him. My family and I really appreciate all the hard work he has done. We will refer him to family, friends and even strangers.
My case, WOW!!! It was more than I would ever expect! Again my family and especially me will be FOREVER GRATEFUL and will never forget Mr. James T. Pietz's! I surely will keep in contact with him.
Mr, Pietz is the Best Lawyer EVER!
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31 Oct, 2015 by Anne
October 2015
I met Kate Justin approximately fifteen years ago while I was employed at Saint Louis University School of Law and she was a law student. I remember very well always being so impressed with her confidence, sense of commitment, intelligent, professionalism and her understanding of the law. She treated all with kindness and respect plus, she was fun and enjoyable to be with. I stayed in touch with her after graduation and continued to observe all the positive characteristics being practiced in her career. She obviously cared about her clients and was accessible to them.
In February of 2014, a personal friend died unexpectedly and I realized I needed to have a will and final papers in order. Having worked at the law school, I knew many lawyers and did talk to a few about my situation but was having difficulty making a decision. I had forgotten that Kate practiced this area of law so when I happened to see her, I knew instantly she would do an excellent job for me, which she did.
She not only knows the law well but understood my situation and tailored the documents to me. She was always prepared when we met and clear about exactly what she needed from me. She worked effectively and efficiently. The documents were drawn and completed in a very reasonable time frame. She kept her promise about when the work was to be completed.
I highly recommend Kate Justin for your attorney. She will not only meet all criterions but will far exceed expectations.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
