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Brandon Sterl Crunkilton, experienced Criminal Defense, Drug Crime attorney in Mount Vernon, OH with 2 reviews
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39,06
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
2 Reviews
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17 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
I retained Mr. Crunkilton to represent me on a traffic citation. Mr. Crunkilton was immediately responsive, extremely knowledgeable (and very well connected to the local jurisdiction), highly professional, and practical in his advice. He answered all of my questions and explained the entire process of handling my citation. I could not be more grateful for finding Mr. Crunkilton and having him represent me.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Very pleased with the time and effort put into our case. Felt heard and appreciated the honesty.
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Justin Michael Smith, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Mount Vernon, OH with 45 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
33,27
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4.3/5
Avvo
5.0
23 Reviews
Google Maps
3.6
22 Reviews
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10 Oct, 2024 by Alex
I was stuck at 90% and had no real recourse to change it on my own not knowing how to navigate the bureaucracy of the VA. Justin looked at my file and explained that he could claim things I had not looked at as well as get increases in other areas. The whole process was as quick and painless as it could be. Justin speaks veteran, he also speaks VA, so the communication every step of the way in a way that I could understand was a key to the whole process. The cost pales in the comparison to the troubles that I would have had had I went another direction. In my opinion it was well worth the cost. I would highly recommend Justin Smith to handle your claim.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Lucas
I came to Justin stuck at 80 percent, he got me to 100 percent p&t. The process was very smooth with him. He reviewed my military records for additional claims to be added from my prior service. He also went over my more recent medical record from the VA and looked to see how he could increase my already rated service connected disabilities. He secondary connected conditions I didn't know could be. Overall the process for gathering all the evidence for Justin was about 9 months. My claim only took 4 months! That was faster than all the ones I did by myself. I also didn't have to go to a single on of the VA C&P exams, it was all done with Justin's team! I know when I would go to those exams I would always stress out that I was going to say the wrong verbiage or miss something which could cost you a huge percentage on a claim. If I had to go through the process again I would pick him again. Communication was very easy with him. I forgot to say I had tried to get myself up to 100 percent and got stuck at 80 and gave up. I just didn't think it was possible.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Monica gray
I would not recommend using Daniel Alden. An Attorney should not show up to court in a condition that shows he is more nervous than the client he is representing. He was sweating bullets going into the court room and stumbled through his words. In addition, he failed to present the pertinent documents that he was given at the first meeting with his client. We had a signed document that he did not present to the judge in addition to not defending his client to get attorney fees assessed to the other party. Mr. Daniel Alden feels he was successful because we did win our case; however, he could have done more for us as a client as we were still out attorney fees. The court also sent us the court cost bill and Daniel said that was just the way it was. I sent in a post-trial motion and the judge agreed the court cost should go to the Defendant, and they did move them to them.
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Amy Michelle Moore, experienced Family Law attorney in Mount Vernon, OH with 36 reviews
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29,77
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4.4/5
Avvo
4.0
3 Reviews
Google Maps
4.5
33 Reviews
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08 Jan, 2025 by Endrik garcia valecillos
Muy buena abogada la mejor muy cordial y exelente trato
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22 Nov, 2024 by Amanda chardon
Mary Lou Ranney saved me and my children. She became my divorce lawyer during a time when I was already involved with other representation, and things weren’t looking good to say the least. I was losing, despite doing everything I could and having lots of legal evidence against my ex. I was so afraid of losing my kids. Truly, at that point I couldn’t help myself at all and was struggling to just think straight and remember to eat something. To be fighting alone against a heavyweight opponent who’s got you outmatched politically, financially, and socially is extremely hard to endure. She was there for me. She is not only a lawyer, but a complete consummate professional and an incredible strategist. She showed me compassion while showing me a way forward. Mary Lou is patient, concise, and most importantly doesn’t waste her time or yours. Just seeing her face brought me relief and comfort, because I knew I was in good hands. She has even checked up on us after proceedings ended to see how we were doing! Hiring her made all the difference in the trajectory of my children’s lives. She is worth infinitely more than she charges. Trust me, you want her on your side.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Brenda stutz
Amy has been great counsel during my disability claim. She answered all of my questions, and encouraged me when I was ready to give up. Having been denied twice, then eventually able to have a hearing, she knew all the steps necessary to get to that point, and be successful. Can't thank her enough for job well done!
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Alysse L Giles, experienced Appeals, Family Law attorney in Mount Vernon, OH with 78 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
27,05
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4.1/5
Avvo
3.0
6 Reviews
Google Maps
4.2
72 Reviews
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05 Sep, 2024 by C l
DON'T HIRE ALYSSE GILES! If you have a complicated Divorce DO NOT use Alysse Giles! She is a terrible communicator, she doesn't return calls & she does NOT prepare you for Court (which is one of her main jobs). My Divorce turned out to be more complicated than either of us imagined. However, instead of spending time with me & trying to figure it out, I only had 2 face to face meetings with Alysse throughout the 3years it took to finalize my Divorce. It was a constant struggle to get a return call from her. There were three (3!!) times, after months of waiting for a return call, she would call from a cell phone which had horrible reception, our call would drop & and she didn't call back! Before hiring her, I informed her "I need a bull dog!" Because Attorneys also need to do their owns sales, she said all the things I needed to hear to hire her. It's already terrible going through a nasty Divorce. Imagine thinking you've hired a good Attorney because she asked for a $10,000 non refundable retainer, just to be ignored & find out she REALLY doesn't seem to care.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Mangyan's journey in the u.s.
Good place, and it's easy to locate.
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18 Mar, 2024 by John dankovich
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Harlow Hoover Walker, experienced Criminal Defense, Estate Planning attorney in Mount Vernon, OH with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Natasha Ann Plumly, experienced Civil Rights, Family Law attorney in Mount Vernon, OH with 0 reviews
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0,00
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0.0/5
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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