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05 Apr, 2024 by Dorothy alexander
27 Apr, 2023 by Marquita davis
Mr. Blanchard and his staff was great and professional. I really recommend him, he helped us so much with this case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Latasha hall
01 Mar, 2024 by Raymond
If you have the opportunity to use Kelli Day as your legal counsel in your child custody case, you will NOT regret it. Kelli and her team go over and beyond each and every day. She truly cares for her clients and the children involved in her cases. You are not just another case number. She keeps you updated, and you don’t have to worry if things are being handled. She knows child custody/divorce law. Period. The new laws, the old laws and everything in between. Kelli took on my case that was challenging to say the least. She made methodical and precise moves to have the outcome move in my favor without even having to take it before the Judge in a trial. Albeit, if you should need her to fight your battles in the court room, she will do it with grace and tenacity. There’s not a better choice than Kelli Day for a Child Custody Attorney in the river region.
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25 Mar, 2020 by Craig
I am very honored to not only recommend Kelli but to say that she is a great attorney. She cares, she is very informed on the law, very smart, very thorough, very responsive, and very principled. I am so grateful to her for the fine work she did for me regarding my place as father to my children.
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22 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Kelli McDaniel Day is a very professional attorney who help me and my daughter during my divorce and child custody case.
I will recommend this attorney to anyone in difficult situation.
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07 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Where do I begin? Excellent representation. When you are a man going into family court to defend yourself against modifications to child support or ask for more custody, you can assume you are fighting an uphill battle. There are too many laws that do not take into consideration what good fathers do. Who wants to document every single detail of fatherhood to prove yourself? Well, I wanted the best representation I could find no matter what it costs or how far I had to travel. After doing my research, The Morris Firm was the clear winner. However, I still did not expect the quality of service that I received. I know lawyers cannot guarantee results, but this attorney is fast and fierce, and I am sure that the opposing counsel did not want to go to trial with this guy. First, when you retain an attorney, it is always best to hire someone that only does that area of law. Second, when you do the consultation and determine that the attorney has a personal passion for the area, hire them. You cannot buy passion and you cannot learn it in law school. Third, when you are dealing with your life you must sacrifice to get the best. His work ethic, thoroughness, professionalism, preparation, and trial strategy are all unmatched. Do not try to get a budget lawyer that practices everything. He or she will not do the research and has not kept up with the law and cases, and he or she does not have the specific experience of an attorney that practices one area of law. When I saw my first brief, it frightened me. I actually was thinking that we should ease up a little. He is very serious about giving the best offense and defense legally possible. And Elizabeth Morris is the best. She makes you feel like family and steps out front with skill and expertise. I will keep this short, but I really recommend The Morris Firm for any family court cases that he covers. I’d say he’s the best at this. And men need expert counsel in today’s legal system. Anything less would be asking for trouble that will last a long time.
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07 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Jon did excellent work on my case! Due to a change of personal circumstances, I needed to modify child support. My ex spouse insisted that any attempts to modify child support would lead to an increase in payments, which sounded outrageous to me as they were already higher than I could reasonably afford. So I retained Jon for legal assistance, and he ultimately negotiated much more favorable terms for me. Thank you!
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18 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I was real concern about my son well being so no one couldn’t take advantage of my son an Attorney Jonathan David Morris made sure of all that nothing is going to happen.Attorney Morris made sure that everyone get a fair share.he will calm you down an get right to the job.I will recommend anyone to Jonathan David Morris.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Jack
Attorney Davy Hay took my case and helped tremendously,if not for Mr. Hay there's no telling what the outcome of my case might have been,very trustworthy and straight forward man,I would recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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27 Apr, 2017 by Roberto
He represented me in my devoice and he insured that I received fair treatment for my daughter and I. My daughter and I are extremely happy because of the job Mr. Hay did for us! #KyliesDaddy
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27 Apr, 2017 by Tanna
Mr. Hay represented me and did an awesome job. He spoke with me and listened to me. He won my case and if anyone or myself was to need a lawyer, I would definitely say that's the man for the job.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Leanne barber
Excellent and professional!
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18 Jul, 2023 by Linda fuqua
Minor and Olszewksi are simply the best.
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27 Aug, 2021 by Dinah allen
24 Feb, 2024 by Leanne barber
Excellent and professional!
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18 Jul, 2023 by Linda fuqua
Minor and Olszewksi are simply the best.
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27 Aug, 2021 by Dinah allen
03 Oct, 2016 by Jim
I hired Josh to represent me regarding a very difficult personal lawsuit. Josh was extremely diligent in every regard. It was also evident that Josh is a man of excellent character who cared about me and my family. He really helped us through a challenging time. Clearly, Josh kept on track of my case specifically and he intervened on my behalf to resolve every legal matter that came up. He led my legal team and the case was resolved quickly. He is an excellent attorney...a talented man who will never let you down.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Don
This gentleman did an amazing job at taking care of my legal needs. He was very prompt, efficient, professional and thorough with his work. I could not have asked for better representation. I whole heartedly recommend him to anyone who is looking for an attorney who really is concerned about his clients and their needs.
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15 Sep, 2016 by Lisa
Mr. Hembree prepared my Will and my Power of Attorney. When I had complex questions concerning my estate, he eagerly helped me find the answers I needed for my specific situation. While I know he has numerous clients and cases, I still felt valued and as his client. He is focused, kind, personable, compassionate, and determined to do all can for his clients. If the need for legal counsel arises in my future, I will not hesitate to contact Mr. Hembree.
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25 May, 2021 by Marcie b
I recently had the opportunity to experience the legal services of Attorney Kristine Jones; as I was extremely pleased with the professional legal care and services that was rendered to me, in an effort to help resolve my issue. In addition to the above, I was ecstatic with Attorney Kristine’s genuine compassion, engaging ability and her willingness to simply listen- thereby allowing her to provide me with sound, constructive legal advice and options. Please note that if the opportunity presented itself again, I would not hesitate to call Attorney Kristine Jones; as her professional customer care is impeccable and unparalleled. Thanks Attorney Kristine Jones, for all that you do!
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07 Dec, 2019 by Eboni robinson
Smooth Real Estate Closing! Friendly Staff.
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10 Jul, 2018 by Vernon
I consulted with Kristine Jones over several months about legal issues dealing with family matters and domestic relations in Alabama. Kristine is the owner and founding member of The KJ Law Firm in Montgomery.
She helped me develop marketing and educational material for a wide range of family legal matters ranging from divorce mediation and division of marital assets to the custody of children and payment of alimony/child support.
Kristine's knowledge of Alabama law and expertise as a family law attorney is apparent the moment you meet. Her previous training and years of experience prepared her well for the practice of law. She provided legal research for institutions like the Alabama Secretary of State Elections Division and Alabama Law Institute, served as a law clerk for One Place Family Justice Center, and taught undergraduate students at Auburn University.
Kristine is patient and resourceful, organized, attentive to details, service-oriented, and passionate about helping people. This is further evidenced by her participation in the "Ask a Lawyer" forum, a free service provided by Avvo.
As someone who thought the only difference between a briefcase and a case brief is the former is used to tote the latter, I found it rewarding and stimulating to collaborate with an attorney like Kristine.
She defined legal terms and phrases like "equitable distribution of property" and "of counsel," explained the role of a Guardian Ad Litem, or "GAL" for short, clarified the difference between arbitration and mediation, and schooled me on best practices regarding the use of an "LLC" designation in the name of a company.
Kristine also cleared up my confusion over the jurisdiction of Federal courts (Alabama is divided into three judicial districts known as the Northern, Middle, and Southern. Who knew?) and procedural issues related to the Montgomery County Small Claims Court.
If asked about her sources, Kristine cited specific documents and clauses I could find online that furthered my understanding. Examples include formal opinions, case law, and court rules established by, or located in, the Alabama State Bar Association, Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution, Code of Alabama, and other legal resources.
I highly recommend Kristine Jones. If you reside in Montgomery, the River Region, or other communities in Alabama and value quality client service, you'll appreciate the trustworthy, reliable attorneys at The KJ Law Firm, LLC.
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03 Feb, 2024 by Chad wester
Burr and Forman and India Vincent is/are the top of the line Trademark /Firm/Attorney in Alabama. They are the absolute best at handling my small business needs while remaining cognizant of my small business budget.
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13 Dec, 2017 by Debbie
Ms. Gholston is very experienced and compassionate about family law. She helped my family to develop a custody/visitation plan that would work in the best interest of my child. Ms. Gholston explored all available options and presented various visitation plans that would be suitable for my school-aged child. She was knowledgeable about previous custody cases and was up-to-date with standard visitation laws in Alabama. She is understanding and exceeds the standards when providing services to her clients. She is very professional and focuses solely on her client's needs.
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27 Feb, 2016 by Adrienne
As a client of Ms. Gholston, my family and I were able to establish estate plans (wills, power of attorney, living wills). She created them in a timely fashion, reviewed them with us so that we understood everything. I highly recommend her for your legal needs.
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06 Sep, 2017 by Needed the calmness
Atty Shahid is very calm and super patient. She worked a family matter case for me and never seem disconnected are too busy to want to hear me.
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28 Aug, 2017 by Carolyn
If you are looking for someone that will be professional as well as caring, compassionate and economical regarding you as a client, Attorney Shadid is this person. She worked through an Estate planning case for our family that lasted for over two years not once did we feel we were being taken advantage. Each consultation was met with a smile and eagerness to come to an amicable resolution. Her caring professionalism put my 81-year-old mother at ease immediately
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28 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with this attorney and was so impressed. She was knowledgeable in more than one area of the law and even took several phone calls from me after our consultation. I highly recomend her to anyone looking for a lawyer!
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04 Apr, 2022 by Kaylin e.
Mrs. Underwood helped me win my case, she comes with the FACTS & the LAW & willing to fight for you! Highly Recommended!
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29 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I called Attorney Long to find out information about child support and he gave me the MOST information I've ever had on this journey of about 18yrs!!! I have personally had conversations with attorneys face to face and they never took much of an interest. They just made me feel like another case that would be added to their pile of cases. Although I am tired of going through the motions with a parent that is committed to not paying, Attorney Long has encouraged me not to give up! I feel that with the information that's been povided it's given me more insight as well as a will to keep persuing this unlikely situation. I'm most appreciative and confident that things are now about to move forward!
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14 Nov, 2019 by Jaclyn
Attorney Campbell has represented me in the area of family law. She listened to me with compassion and she represented me boldly. She is always ready, willing, and able to represent me and fight for me if necessary. She is accessible and responsive and will always tell you the absolute truth about your case. When dealing with certain situations, she was also mindful of the best time to contact me with updates. Imagine an attorney who considers their client’s time and unique situation...That’s Attorney Campbell. She’ll always be my attorney.
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22 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Sasser is an outstanding attorney that provided me excellent representation when I hired him. His professionalism and abilities were communicated with kindness. I would highly recommend him for your legal needs!
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05 Jul, 2015 by Wendy
Mrs. Prashad took my case on a very short notice and walked me through every step of the way. I had been served with divorce papers and was almost out of time to respond, but she jumped to work and stood up for my rights.
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5.0
21 Reviews
4.8
39 Reviews
22 Oct, 2024 by Kyra
Thank you for giving me peace of mind and getting custody of my son. You’re so kind and as terrified as I was knowing the type of person I was going against, and I found a calm within you.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Jennifer inman
The heart of compassion for helping others shows in everything she does. She is very knowledgeable and encouraging through difficult situations.
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16 Dec, 2023 by M sw
13 Dec, 2022 by Sosweet gg
Love the staff!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful.
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26 Sep, 2022 by J m
I couldn’t believe what excellent people can do for someone and couldn’t speak more highly of them and the advice given. I would literally love to tell you more but it’s privileged. I highly suggest if you do need an attorney you contact this group!
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26 May, 2022 by Julie maurer
I would highly recommend Sasser and O'Rear! Will O'Rear and Janelle worked very hard on helping my mom to get appointed as my aunt's representative to her estate. We are out of state and were unable to do a lot of the paper and they assisted and worked endlessly to help my mom out. This turned out to be a very long process, the state of Alabama didn't make it easy but they never gave up. My mom and I are very appreciative for all their hard work.
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10 Sep, 2024 by J jnz
We decided to file for Chapter 7 and we searched for lawyers everywhere. Not only was he cheaper than the rest he was so nice and very professional. As soon as we paid our last payment he filed that day. I have seen where so many have said they paid their lawyers and it took them weeks to file for them. Shelby his law clerk is also amazing. She responds to emails pretty quick and she gets everything done. If you are near Montgomery and looking for a good bankruptcy firm, give them a call.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Dianne ferrell
02 Apr, 2024 by Yonatan ben
Awful service, bad response, very rude
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18 Jan, 2024 by Jennifer inman
The heart of compassion for helping others shows in everything she does. She is very knowledgeable and encouraging through difficult situations.
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16 Dec, 2023 by M sw
31 Oct, 2023 by Tangie oliver
I’m now post divorced 90 days! Took me a little over two years to get the courage to walk into a divorce attorney’s office, but my meeting Katie was divine destiny. See, I was to hire another attorney and at the time the attorney I was to hire had orders to go out of the Country and before I left her office she gave me three other attorneys for in case purposes, but my mind said to hire her. Now, As the evening went on my spirit kept nagging me to look up these other attorneys, so I did. And when I got to Katie’s bio I cried like a baby, because the spirit I felt reading her bio I knew she could relate and that I could trust her. I know God put Katie in my life , because he knew exactly what I needed. This process was very difficult for me, but Katie was always there with support. She’s super compassionate, very supportive and very professional. I pray anyone reading this find value. Blessings🙏🏾💕
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25 Sep, 2024 by Rainford hursefield
I was glad have been recommend to D L Brown.
When I thought the insurance wouldn't do right mr Brown and EDGAR did everything so I would be Satisfied. Thanks again I encourage anyone with a case to call upon this law firm.
Rainford hursefield..
Atlanta Ga.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Caytlaun mcrae
“I am beyond impressed with the exceptional service we received from Edgar Aguirre and the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown. They were incredibly efficient, keeping us informed every step of the way. Edgar made sure that my wife and I didn’t have to worry about a thing after our wreck—they truly handled all the heavy lifting. Their professionalism and dedication resulted in us getting a great compensation in a timely manner. With two convenient office locations, they were always available and easy to work with. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of top-notch legal representation
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17 Sep, 2024 by Michael rucker
Amazing law firm with excellent communication both from Attorney Brown and his awesome Super Woman Paralegal Claudia. Attorney Brown was very transparent in all aspects of my case from day 1 to us settling a couple weeks ago, but not only is he a great attorney he’s a people’s person meaning that not only are handling the business but we discussed life!! I’d be quick to refer anybody to his Law Firm. I want to thank you Attorney Brown for accepting my case, closing my case, but foremost thanks for maximizing my settlement!! Can you say I’m heading to Jamaica for my birthday in November thanks to this awesome team at the Brown Law Firm!!! Yea Mon Jamaica mi pon di way!!!!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Rainford hursefield
I was glad have been recommend to D L Brown.
When I thought the insurance wouldn't do right mr Brown and EDGAR did everything so I would be Satisfied. Thanks again I encourage anyone with a case to call upon this law firm.
Rainford hursefield..
Atlanta Ga.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Caytlaun mcrae
“I am beyond impressed with the exceptional service we received from Edgar Aguirre and the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown. They were incredibly efficient, keeping us informed every step of the way. Edgar made sure that my wife and I didn’t have to worry about a thing after our wreck—they truly handled all the heavy lifting. Their professionalism and dedication resulted in us getting a great compensation in a timely manner. With two convenient office locations, they were always available and easy to work with. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of top-notch legal representation
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17 Sep, 2024 by Michael rucker
Amazing law firm with excellent communication both from Attorney Brown and his awesome Super Woman Paralegal Claudia. Attorney Brown was very transparent in all aspects of my case from day 1 to us settling a couple weeks ago, but not only is he a great attorney he’s a people’s person meaning that not only are handling the business but we discussed life!! I’d be quick to refer anybody to his Law Firm. I want to thank you Attorney Brown for accepting my case, closing my case, but foremost thanks for maximizing my settlement!! Can you say I’m heading to Jamaica for my birthday in November thanks to this awesome team at the Brown Law Firm!!! Yea Mon Jamaica mi pon di way!!!!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Rainford hursefield
I was glad have been recommend to D L Brown.
When I thought the insurance wouldn't do right mr Brown and EDGAR did everything so I would be Satisfied. Thanks again I encourage anyone with a case to call upon this law firm.
Rainford hursefield..
Atlanta Ga.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Caytlaun mcrae
“I am beyond impressed with the exceptional service we received from Edgar Aguirre and the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown. They were incredibly efficient, keeping us informed every step of the way. Edgar made sure that my wife and I didn’t have to worry about a thing after our wreck—they truly handled all the heavy lifting. Their professionalism and dedication resulted in us getting a great compensation in a timely manner. With two convenient office locations, they were always available and easy to work with. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of top-notch legal representation
Read more
17 Sep, 2024 by Michael rucker
Amazing law firm with excellent communication both from Attorney Brown and his awesome Super Woman Paralegal Claudia. Attorney Brown was very transparent in all aspects of my case from day 1 to us settling a couple weeks ago, but not only is he a great attorney he’s a people’s person meaning that not only are handling the business but we discussed life!! I’d be quick to refer anybody to his Law Firm. I want to thank you Attorney Brown for accepting my case, closing my case, but foremost thanks for maximizing my settlement!! Can you say I’m heading to Jamaica for my birthday in November thanks to this awesome team at the Brown Law Firm!!! Yea Mon Jamaica mi pon di way!!!!
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13 Dec, 2022 by Sosweet gg
Love the staff!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful.
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26 Sep, 2022 by J m
I couldn’t believe what excellent people can do for someone and couldn’t speak more highly of them and the advice given. I would literally love to tell you more but it’s privileged. I highly suggest if you do need an attorney you contact this group!
Read more
26 May, 2022 by Julie maurer
I would highly recommend Sasser and O'Rear! Will O'Rear and Janelle worked very hard on helping my mom to get appointed as my aunt's representative to her estate. We are out of state and were unable to do a lot of the paper and they assisted and worked endlessly to help my mom out. This turned out to be a very long process, the state of Alabama didn't make it easy but they never gave up. My mom and I are very appreciative for all their hard work.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Donna daniels
Attorney Woodburn was &
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22 Apr, 2024 by Charles stephens
23 Feb, 2024 by Rb82
I actually had one lawyer before ms. Isak, and I didn't feel mine or my kids interests were in the priority. I switched to ms. Isak, and she always let me know what was going on. I actually deployed with the Tony fella below, and I have to disagre w ith ya bro. I know your my CPT in service and all, but heres my thoughts on Ms. Isak. Ms. isak always returned my calls, and her and her workers let me know up front my options about filing before deploying. I felt like I was throwing my money away with my first lawyer, but with this one, Ms. Isak, I actually get to see my kids more than before going to her. Tony man, don't hate! You use to sit drinking and tell us stories about all the lawyers you used before and how you didn't get what you wanted so you was going to throw em all under the bridge. Ms. isak, I'd hire you again in a minute. I love my kids. Thank you for fighting so hard for me and them so we can spend time together as a family. And thank you for helping me through all the legal mumbo jumbo that comes into play for us military guys.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Johnnie durant
Attorney Kia Scott is an awesome Attorney and I would recommend her to anyone.
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12 Jun, 2023 by Dana barry
12 Jun, 2023 by Amyracle coles
15 Aug, 2024 by Kianna monday
Great Law Firm everyone here is friendly and very understanding I highly recommend them for all of your family law needs 10/10 highly recommend!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Kia
The only reason I gave one star is to leave a review. Please do not sign up with this company. I hired this company and believed they would help me and ended up doing most of the work on my own. I feel ripped off with having to pay someone and not getting ANY results. SMH. I work too hard for my money to just give it away to a company who did not work hard in return for my business. SMH NEVER AGAIN. Lesson learned! I should have listened to all the bad reviews because exactly what everyone said was the truth. Having to repeat information about my case that they should know and always the one reaching out to do a follow up smh. Please find someone else and don't waste your time and money!!
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20 Mar, 2024 by Courtney sanders
Listen to the reviews. They took an already stressful experience and made it worse. No communication, which makes you have to continuously reach out, spending your money. They did not detail any of the invoices out. A year later after ONE and ONLY court date and still have not received my remaining retainer. You have to explain your situation every time you speak with the attorney because they don’t listen or keep up, whatever the case may be. I was also told they couldn’t complete a standard thing because they “couldn’t get” one piece of simple information. I was very patient and understanding because i understand businesses can be busy but this was an atrocious experience and I would not recommend this firm to anyone. I also know from other sources that this isn’t a one off, they do this consistently and they are aware of it, they simply don’t care. Keep my retainer at this point. I paid thousands of dollars on a case I could have represented myself on and saved myself immense amounts of stress and money.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Joseph garner
I was referred to Barfoot & Schoettker by a firm I regularly use in Birmingham to handle a matter in the Montgomery area. Ben Schoettker handled my case and was incredibly responsive, very professional, and swiftly handled our case successfully. I could not have asked for a better outcome. Thus, I highly recommend the firm and, more specifically, Mr. Schoettker. While I hope I don’t need their services in the future, if I do I will call Barfoot & Schoettker immediately! Thank you Ben!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Sec bama
She don't work good as a court appointed lawyer she was putting her least effort in my people case I can vouch I would not recommend her to anyone unless you paying she might be better but I know she didn't put forth a effort wit my people
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27 Aug, 2024 by S. man
Mr. Schoettker and his staff were very helpful in taking care of a traffic ticket we received on our way thru the area. I highly suggest the law-firm to anyone who needs an attorney.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Dorothy alexander
27 Apr, 2023 by Marquita davis
Mr. Blanchard and his staff was great and professional. I really recommend him, he helped us so much with this case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of.
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27 Apr, 2023 by Latasha hall
16 Dec, 2014 by Marlin
The initial meeting was very informative and specific in stating what my options were, what needed to be done and what information she needed to handle and help me deal with the situation at hand. Her paralegal and office staff were very supportive throughout the entire process from the initial filing on through the completion of the situation. Her office was always very prompt in returning my call ands answering any questions that I may have had
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15 Dec, 2014 by Dot
Information received from Lawyer was accurate and helpful. Very responsive. Made efforts to clear up problems that occurred.
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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.
