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03 Oct, 2024 by Rick henry
Don has been absolutely great throughout my wife's custody case. He has continuously gone above and beyond to get everything exactly how we want it.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Akshay john
I went through Khan Nayyar & Associates for my marriage based green card. We had a unique situation as I was transitioning from Student to Green card, and Jeethna and Attorney Khan made the process very smooth from the start, and explained the process in detail, when to expect the green card, and everything in between. Would highly recommend anyone to go with the team and let them handle the immigration burdens alongside with you. - Akshay & Shreya
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04 Sep, 2024 by Aamir tyyebi
Faraz is an experienced professional and reliable attorney that gives excellent and practical advice.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Kevin karas
03 Jun, 2024 by Bill inman
05 Apr, 2024 by Ron leonard
This firm is great. Completely hassle less transaction. Sarah was so helpful and thorough. She even figured out a way to wire all funds even though we had no voided check. Thanks again.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Tiffany self
Bill has a wealth of knowledge and is patient with questions for those new to navigating legal issues. Highly recommend.
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01 May, 2024 by Joel roos
I required the services of an employment attorney and Bill did not disappoint.
I received very timely advice, first over the phone then a follow up summary in writing. Bill was extremely patient, answering all of my questions and explaining all options.
I would not hesitate to recommend him.
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29 Mar, 2024 by Ahmed khan
Amazing service and lawyer, would highly recommend!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Daun blain
Extremely helpful and in tune at a time when I really needed guidance.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sybil palmer
Juli was great to work with and I am completely satisfied with her representation.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Maureen spathies
My attorney was extremely responsive to my questions, considerate of my time and very sensitive to the expense of getting divorced.
He made suggestions on how to speed the process and cut cost.
I appreciated the ease of sending documents electronically that was both safe and secure.
Hard working firm.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Daun blain
Extremely helpful and in tune at a time when I really needed guidance.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Sybil palmer
Juli was great to work with and I am completely satisfied with her representation.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Maureen spathies
My attorney was extremely responsive to my questions, considerate of my time and very sensitive to the expense of getting divorced.
He made suggestions on how to speed the process and cut cost.
I appreciated the ease of sending documents electronically that was both safe and secure.
Hard working firm.
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19 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Mark seemed knowledge and compassionate when first hired. Once I cut the check - all of that was down the drain. Took MONTHS to get any return phone calls or emails. Extremely disappointing and made a very emotional and difficult process much worse for all involved.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Keith
Mark handled our divorce quickly and efficiently while maintaining a compassionate approach throughout the process. His counsel on all matters was very much appreciated and all questions and concerns were addressed in a straightforward and professional manner. I would recommend Mark without hesitation to anyone contemplating Divorce.
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16 Jan, 2019 by Jim
Mark did a great job getting my divorce finalized in under 4 months.
It was important to be final in 2018 and Mark got it done.
My now ex wife of 10 years and I agreed to use one attorney and that was Mark. He represented me and she was the Pro se... it only worked because Mark was great at explaining the details in a direct but calm and unbiased way. In other words She had to feel comfortable and she did.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Kristie gonzalez
If your seller uses this attorney’s office, PLEASE RUN from the deal while you have a chance! They will not return your Earnest Money.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jean neis
Very compassionate, hard working and knowledgeable people who go the extra mile to assist their clients, from our experience. They are also friendly and make you feel comfortable. Highly recommend!
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17 Apr, 2024 by Donnie wooten
What sets The Law Offices of Eric Pittman apart is their client-centric approach. They took the time to understand my unique situation, crafting a defense strategy that was tailored to my needs. Their dedication to my case and their clients' futures is unparalleled.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
15 Mar, 2024 by Melissa garcia
Great service from everyone there.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Shirlene coppage
She was very helpful and consistently answered all of my concerns and more from day 1.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Robyn sincavage
Zachary Martel and Mercy Gustis were great. I highly recommend Roscich & Martel Law Firm, LLC.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Arthur laciak
I had a great experience with Rosisch & Martel. My condo purchase was handled smoothly and I was able to close a week earlier. Zach was also very responsive to my questions.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth escarria
Super professional but personable too. They helped me with my impossible time line. Quick, efficient and well priced too!! Will continue to be a customer and refer my friends here.
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14 Mar, 2020 by Natalie
Working with this attorney has been an absolute nightmare.
I spoke with her a few weeks after my divorce was finalized. My best friend had recently gone through a divorce & told me to make sure a qualified and competent attorney handled the QDROs portion of my divorce, as hers took an unreasonable amount of time. Emily was recommended by my divorce attorney. I spoke with her a few weeks after my divorce & stated to her my friend’s experience. She assured me my friend’s experience would not be the way she treated me & the process would be smooth & she had good relationships with the plan administrators where my money was invested.
Fast forward to November. I emailed Emily, as I had heard nothing from her in almost 4 months. 25 days later she responded to me. She said she would get back to me the following week. Guess what? Not a word.
1/2/20 I asked her for an update. I received no response. Getting fed up Emily was ignoring me, as well as my financial planner stating this was nonsense, I put her in charge of contacting Emily. She called multiple times and received a lot of dodging by Emily’s secretary. I then let my attorney know what was going on. 1/17/20 — the paralegal finally seems to get things moving.
2/3/20 we were told this would be wrapped up in a few weeks. Today is 3/14. That day has come and gone. Nothing has happened.
Also 3/13 I received a bill from my own attorney for $810. All the billing had to do with my attorney chasing down Emily Carrara and figuring out what was going on. I’m on a fixed income and do not have $810 just laying around for someone to chase this woman down. My own attorney stated he was disappointed in her actions.
The portion of the QDRO I was to receive as cash that was owed to me by my ex husband has probably gone down 20-30% due to the stock market tumble. I am a social worker and that money was to go toward a bachelors of nursing degree I am pursuing, to help purchase a new home so I can get my son into the high school he wishes to attend with his friends & to pay for my kids’ college. I do not know now if the money will be there to make these goals happen. Had this been finalized months ago, I would not be in this predicament & would not have lost a large portion of my life savings.
I am not a person who likes to leave negative reviews. I also always give people the benefit of the doubt. Given these circumstances I would NEVER use this attorney for any reason. She is incompetent & she will not respond to you. Please stay away from Emily Carrara.
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28 Mar, 2019 by Larry
Emily Carrara is an exceptional attorney. She exceeded by far any expectations I imagined during my divorce proceedings. Emily's knowledge and expertise is unbelievably top notch in her field and her compassion, empathy and understanding are what enabled me to 'survive' during this devastating time in my life.
Emily took the time to speak with me and made me feel like a real person whom she genuinely 'cared' about and fought for in order to obtain the best settlement possible for me. I never once felt like a case number or dollar signs in the form of 'billable hours'. Emily is exactly 'the attorney' you want in your corner fighting for you during such a horrendous process and I highly recommend Emily to anyone who is entering into a divorce proceeding. She helped me more than I can explain in words and a settlement that allowed me to move forward and live again.
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07 Nov, 2018 by Mike
Emily Carrara is to be counted on to deliver results. She is highly competent, trustworthy, collaborative, and yet not afraid to be strong on points that have proper merit. She has an excellent understanding of IL QDRO, significant ability to quickly grasp complex situations and distill them into actionable items for your best interest. My situation was a decade old, required opposing lawyer work, court appearances, multiple 401K company ownership, and of course - emotion. She properly educated herself on all counts, provided accurate assessments and expectations .... delivering results in the end. I would highly recommend Emily Carrara!
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25 Jun, 2024 by Israel
The following is based on my experience and perspective as a previous client. If you're ok with your divorce attorney taking his time, with no pressure or proactivity to move things along, and you’re definitely not interested in litigation but handling everything through settlement, then hire Dan.
After 3 months of working with Dan. I had a bad gut feeling that I was in the same position and made zero progress with the divorce case. So I began to consult with other family law attorneys for a second opinion. Dan is not a terrible attorney but was referred to as a “settlement attorney.” Meaning that if you’re looking for an attorney who will roll up his sleeve, ensure the divorce process gets moving and will be proactive with your case (especially as a father), then definitely look for another attorney, which is exactly what I had to do after the below happened.
After he ran through the initial retainer, he still charged me another 1.1K for services rendered. All that was accomplished legally was getting my wife served, a court appearance, 2 mediation sessions coordinated (which was paid outside of the retainer), and a 2nd court date that kept getting pushed down. A bulk of the costs on the invoice were for emails, texts and phone calls. For example, on one Saturday morning, I spoke to him for 63 seconds and my brother spoke to him for less than 3 minutes. Yet on his invoice he charged me for 24 minutes worth of service/fees. The previous is just one example of the line items I asked him to please elaborate and explain how he reached the final cost.
I asked him via email first to please elaborate and explain how he reaches the final cost/fees. First he called me a week later asking me a question to an answer I had already provided to him via text about a week and half ago. I then asked him if he could please elaborate how he got to the final cost/services regarding his invoice. His responses were defensive, he said that Judges tell him that “he doesn’t charge enough.” I tried asking him about specific line items (like the one previously mentioned) and he did not provide a clear answer. His response was, “What do you want?” and “this is the part where [I'm] supposed to give a number” but adds that if I low-ball him he “will walk away and I can go ahead and find another representation.” This was also not the first time he raised his voice (borderline yells) at me over the phone.
If necessary to defend my review, I can provide proof of call times plus the messages and emails I would send him and would get no response to them. I don’t want to drag this review out further so let me end this review with that he was much quicker to respond and take action regarding his payment (literally hours) in comparison to how proactive and quickly he handled my case, not to mention he took days to get back to my new family law attorney to make a legal transition of counsel in the case.
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08 Jul, 2022 by Douglas morris
I got myself in a big jam was gonna completely mess up my plans for the future and Alex came in like a quarterback with the game winning touchdown if you need help this is the way to go
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08 Jul, 2022 by Duece duece
4.6
10 Reviews
4.6
255 Reviews
13 Sep, 2024 by Jeremy karlinski
I have been working with O'Flaherty Law on my civil litigation matter for quite some time. Sadie has been a great point of contact with positive energy.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Eileen mink
18 Aug, 2024 by Javan lewis
Ryan was very courteous, and just flat out amazing when we talked. So helpful
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27 Aug, 2024 by Kristie gonzalez
If your seller uses this attorney’s office, PLEASE RUN from the deal while you have a chance! They will not return your Earnest Money.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Jean neis
Very compassionate, hard working and knowledgeable people who go the extra mile to assist their clients, from our experience. They are also friendly and make you feel comfortable. Highly recommend!
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17 Apr, 2024 by Donnie wooten
What sets The Law Offices of Eric Pittman apart is their client-centric approach. They took the time to understand my unique situation, crafting a defense strategy that was tailored to my needs. Their dedication to my case and their clients' futures is unparalleled.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Robyn sincavage
Zachary Martel and Mercy Gustis were great. I highly recommend Roscich & Martel Law Firm, LLC.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Arthur laciak
I had a great experience with Rosisch & Martel. My condo purchase was handled smoothly and I was able to close a week earlier. Zach was also very responsive to my questions.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth escarria
Super professional but personable too. They helped me with my impossible time line. Quick, efficient and well priced too!! Will continue to be a customer and refer my friends here.
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26 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Made false orders and showed up to court late. She shouldn't have a job. She will burn all the money. RUN AWAY
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22 Jan, 2021 by Nancy
Erin O’Connell and her team at Blacha Law are professional and compassionate. From the beginning of my case Erin she made me feel safe and supported. Her advice was true all the way through the divorce and post-divorce proceedings. Though the case was difficult she was successful in helping us get to a place where we can move forward. If you need a divorce attorney, I highly recommend Erin O’Connell and the Law firm.
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10 Mar, 2020 by Michelle
I would highly recommend Blacha Law Office. Everyone was professional from my first call to the office for my initial consultation to the end of my case. Erin O’Connell was very responsive and fought to get the best outcome for me. Also, Erin (EJ) Groenewold (paralegal) was a pleasure to work with and helped explain each step along the way. Thanks to the entire team at Blacha Law!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Jeremy karlinski
I have been working with O'Flaherty Law on my civil litigation matter for quite some time. Sadie has been a great point of contact with positive energy.
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26 Aug, 2024 by Eileen mink
18 Aug, 2024 by Javan lewis
Ryan was very courteous, and just flat out amazing when we talked. So helpful
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18 Sep, 2024 by Chelsea mcgee
12 Jul, 2024 by Rick fenbert
Excellent lawyer.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Anna marie barba
Responsible, great job, very very polite they hell with stains on my clothing, great job
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19 Feb, 2024 by Hope coulter
I highly recommend Darran ! He is one of the best there is . Narrissa is so helpful as well they are a great team ! Thank you for all you do Darran !
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19 Nov, 2023 by Lewis
*SINGLE FATHER AWARDED MAJORITY CUSTODY*
Hands down the BEST attorney I’ve been represented by. He navigated seamlessly through my custodial civil case with my son and I was awarded custody in the end. Mind you there were several landmines he had to help me over and as stated before the man did it with ease! I would classify myself as a pretty intelligent being that is well versed and one who does extensive research when I don’t know or understand something. I say that to say this, I barely had ANY questions for Darran B during our face to face meetups due to him having all the answers to my questions already covered. The man is a wizard as it relates to law and was worth EVERY SINGLE DIME (plus some) for his efforts, knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a ASTOUNDING attorney that’s NOT going to exhaust your retainer, tell you lies take and purely advantage of the circumstances like ALOT of attorneys please look No further and RETAIN DARRAN BARHAUGH!! He’s the TRUTH . Words can’t express what he has done for me and my son. ALSO, I retained Darran B again for custody of my second 😂. Thank you brother for all of your efforts and persistence in saving GODS children and bringing families back together 1 client at a time. Highly NOBLE of a human, let alone an attorney!!!
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16 Nov, 2023 by Jharna ghai
I had the absolute pleasure working with Darran and his team. He’s very knowledge and goes above and beyond to help his clients. He always looks out for his client’s best interest. I highly recommend him and will definitely work with him in the near future.
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19 Feb, 2024 by Hope coulter
I highly recommend Darran ! He is one of the best there is . Narrissa is so helpful as well they are a great team ! Thank you for all you do Darran !
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19 Nov, 2023 by Lewis
*SINGLE FATHER AWARDED MAJORITY CUSTODY*
Hands down the BEST attorney I’ve been represented by. He navigated seamlessly through my custodial civil case with my son and I was awarded custody in the end. Mind you there were several landmines he had to help me over and as stated before the man did it with ease! I would classify myself as a pretty intelligent being that is well versed and one who does extensive research when I don’t know or understand something. I say that to say this, I barely had ANY questions for Darran B during our face to face meetups due to him having all the answers to my questions already covered. The man is a wizard as it relates to law and was worth EVERY SINGLE DIME (plus some) for his efforts, knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a ASTOUNDING attorney that’s NOT going to exhaust your retainer, tell you lies take and purely advantage of the circumstances like ALOT of attorneys please look No further and RETAIN DARRAN BARHAUGH!! He’s the TRUTH . Words can’t express what he has done for me and my son. ALSO, I retained Darran B again for custody of my second 😂. Thank you brother for all of your efforts and persistence in saving GODS children and bringing families back together 1 client at a time. Highly NOBLE of a human, let alone an attorney!!!
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19 Nov, 2023 by Sherman
*SINGLE FATHER AWARDED MAJORITY CUSTODY*
Hands down the BEST attorney I’ve been represented by. He navigated seamlessly through my custodial civil case with my son and I was awarded custody on the end. Mind you there were several landmines he had to help me over some and as stated before the man did it with ease! I would classify myself as a pretty intelligent being that is well versed and one who does extensive research when I don’t know or understand something. I say that to say I barely had ANY questions for Darran B during our face to face meetups due to him having all the answers to my questions already covered. The man is a wizard as it relates to law and was worth EVERY SINGLE DIME (plus some) for his efforts, knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a good attorney that’s NOT going to exhaust your retainer and take advantage of the circumstances like ALOT of attorneys please look
No further and RETAIN DARRAN BARHAUGH!! He’s the TRUTH . Thank you brother for all of your efforts and persistence in saving children and bringing families back together 1 client at a time. Highly NOBLE of a human, let alone an attorney!!!
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08 Jun, 2021 by Peter
Adam has been my attorney for the past 15 years and counting. He has handled a multitude of cases; from family court, business litigation, to criminal (DUI) cases. No matter your situation you can't go wrong with Adam.
As per the review suggesting that if you don't agree with him you won't have a favourable outcome. Well, that's because hes been practicing law for the better part of 40 years and knows how things will shake out.
Adam, has earned the respect from his colleagues in and out of the courtroom. All of the Judges seem to know him and respect him. I would strongly suggest hiring Adam stillo for any legal matter your facing. If it's not something he thinks he can handle, he will let you know. He's also very fair when it comes to billing and willing to work with clients on payment.
Thank you for all your help over the years!
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10 Jan, 2021 by Christopher
Mr. Stillo was the lawyer in my 2011 divorce case and was extremely knowledgeable with all portions of proceedings. I will continue recommending his services to family, co-workers and friends.
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03 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Adam.He clearly knows the system. Not only is he a thorough great lawyer, but he's a great person. He knows his sh**! period and Thank you God bless!
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3.9
13 Reviews
4.4
33 Reviews
05 Feb, 2024 by Lon duncan
David has always come through for us. His knowledge and expertise in his profession is the best. Not only is David professional, he is kind, considerate and takes to heart your needs and concerns. He follows through with everything involving your case and sees to it that you are taken care of.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Kim causley-cazallis
David Schaffer the best!!! He is very professional and handles every case with expertise and professionalism!! He treats his clients like family!! He is hands on every step of the way to the end of the case!! I had an opportunity to see David in action in court and I was extremely impressed by his knowledge of the law and enthusiasm to fight for his clients!! I would recommend Schaffer Family Law to my family and friends!!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Justine mitas
Do not recommend. She dropped my case right before the court. She explained: your case may take longer than expected and I am planning my summer a different way.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Katie is not good at replying to emails. If you have important deadlines or prefer responses in a timely manner, Katie is not for you.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Peter
I felt as though I was already at a disadvantage being male in DuPage and seeking as much time as possible with my daughter. My ex wanted to fight over every little thing possible. After 6.5 years and several lawyers later, by the grace of God, I found Katie.
Katie turned the entire case around and it was resolved in 18 months. Katie diligently reviewed the case file and had my ex figured out. She always responded to my calls and emails in a very timely manner. She was well prepared for all of our hearings. My case was a mess filled with drama and I don't know what I would have done without Katie. Thank you for everything!
As of today, I have a 50/50 spilt with my daughters mom. I would highly recommend her for any and all aspects of a divorce or parentage case.
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03 Jan, 2022 by Dlk
Katie Kenny was a member of a firm of which I was a partner. We were always pleased with her work and demeanor. In addition, after I retired, we retained Katie for a large civil case in which we were involved. Katie has always been punctual, respectful, very thoughtful in sorting out issues, calm, insightful in her analysis, thorough and professional. I recommend Kate Kenny without reservation.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Andrielle
I reached out to this attorney on July 24, 2024. We set up a Zoom call to go over the details and he advised that he would take on the matter. The date is now September 25, 2024 and there has been zero communication. My emails go unanswered. He's no responsive. He checks in and says he will reach out to you and doesn't.
I expected a lot more out of a legal professional, but received a lot less. I'm never one to leave a negative review, however, this has to be the absolute worst!
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23 Jan, 2020 by John
Dan has been my real estate lawyer for several years and I just had him complete another home closing for my business. We had several challenges but Dan and Stacey were on top of it every step of the way. I have also consulted Dan for non-real estate issues and I found to him to be equally professional and knowledgeable. I have recommended him to friends and work associates.
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22 Jan, 2020 by Saleem
Dan Fitzgerald is a great lawyer, he helped me out with my case and got me the best results . He was always available to answer my questions and concerns, and gave me the best advice to get the best results. My case went to trial ,he was sharp and experienced and did a great job .. I recommended him to my friend and he helped him out and got him great results.. also his assistant Stacey did a great job . She always took down notes and was helpful all the time .. thanks Dan for a great job and having great people working with you ..
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23 Oct, 2024 by Montoria mays
15 Mar, 2024 by Melissa garcia
Great service from everyone there.
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10 Mar, 2024 by Shirlene coppage
She was very helpful and consistently answered all of my concerns and more from day 1.
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11 Jul, 2022 by Alma
Esta “abogada” conspira con padres narcisistas,
Es una persona de muy bajo moral prepara reportes falsos por grandes $$$ sin importarle el bien estar de los niños, yo viví una experiencia muy desagradable con Elizabeth Berrones
a Ella no le importo que el padre de mis hijos tenía un historial criminal y gran posibilidad de ser deportado a México, asta el día de hoy mis niños están viviendo situaciones desagradables Gracias a el pago que recibio está “abogada” aún siendo “madre” no le importo el daño que hizo a unos niños tan pequeñitos de uno y dos Años no se con que valor puede mirar a sus hijos a los ojos sabiendo de lo que fue capas,
Se que la *LEY DIVINA LE ESTÁ HACIENDO PAGAR SU FACTURA*
Tengo las pruebas para compartir/hacer públicas no importa que se cambie de bufete
Mi interés es que Elizabeth Berrones Deje de hacer daño a otra niños y madres
AAT:AC
Posdata Elizabeth Berrones •Abogada” miente al igual que siertos *Colegas y X Juez*ellos formaban una red todo por $$$
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08 Dec, 2021 by Ella lo sabe
Bendigo la divinidad que vive dentro de ti
Solo tú sabes porque mentiste ante la corte en dos ocasiones, la verdad nos hará libres
Dios bendiga el día de tu juicio Señora!!!
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25 Jan, 2016 by Andrea
I hired Elizabeth Berrones to represent me during my divorce and custody case and was very pleased with her representation. She made sure that I understood every step throughout the process, kept me informed about all developments, answered any question I had and was always polite and patient. I was very pleased with her representation and have referred others to her.
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15 Aug, 2011 by Nina
I would recommend this lawyer and I HAVE recommended her to others. Both she and her associate, at the time, were very attentive and helpful regarding my case. In my experience with them, both were personally and professionally top notch, actively protecting me and my interests.
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08 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
Marsha Cellucci is has represented me in a way that is detrimental to me and my family. I am feeling very stuck in a situation that I cannot get out of. She has lead me down a path that I am embarrassed by with my family and friends. I apologize.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Andrea defalco
In my opinion, Gail is a threat to the safety of children. Based on the overwhelming number of reviews saying the same, I am sharing how to report her conduct. It is easy to file a report with both regulatory boards/commissions.
Use the link below if you have used her in the capacity as a Psychologist:
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/dpr/complaint.html
Select “Professional Regulation” and fill out the information in the form.
Use the link below if you have used her in the capacity as an Attorney:
https://www.iardc.org/Files/Request_For__Investigation.pdf
In my opinion Gail is a danger to children and families. In my opinion, she puts children at risk of serious harm. In my opinion she must be stopped.
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14 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
We used Gail for divorce mediation. She was late for every appointment. She clearly hadn't ever review anything prior to our meetings and then never sent us our final documents. She was supposed to connect us with a lawyer at the end who 'she works with' to finalize and file our case, she did not do that, she completely disappeared once our last payment was sent. I called and emailed many times and no one responded. She was slow during meetings and wasn't much help with any questions we had. If it hadn't been during a pandemic we would have changed mediator. Ours was a simple divorce, I would hate someone in the middle of a stressful divorce to have to deal with this unprofessionalism on top of that.
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16 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
This women will continue to try to convince you that abuse of your children is okay. She as a mandated reporter will hide abuse in order to assure she will receive a paycheck from you as long as possible. She will make excuses for the abuser and lie to Judges/Child representatives/DCFS, because if the children get removed from the abusive home she loses you as a client. Please make sure to report this woman to the state of Illinois if anything like this has happened to you. A hospital Doctor that had to care for our children said that Dr. Gail Petrich’s actions are “disgusting and she should be ashamed of herself”. We cannot let people like Dr. Gail Petrich continue to practice.
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07 May, 2021 by Anonymous
We had requested a thirty minute consultation to determine the feasibility of our case in person. It went over to an hour long, which we were fine with paying for that extra time. What we were NOT fine with is that we were not consulted on any pre-meeting billable hours nor had we approved any pre-meeting billable hours. What turned from a small consultation fee turned into a nightmare of him sending us a bill for hours of "service" on the topic that probably took no more than 15 minutes for him to write up, totaling up to over $1,000! I have visited with several attorneys in the past on consultations and no one has EVER tried to bill me in this proposterous manner. I would never never hire or recommend this individual. Luckily, we fought that bill and sent him a check for the consultation fee amount which is what was the AGREED upon fee, after all, we did not HIRE him to do any research. IT WAS A CONSULTATION.
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18 Mar, 2015 by Justin
The worst experience I have ever had by far. Hired him to mediate maintenance issue. After paying for the initial consultation separately and then paying a retainer he never produced. Would not return phone calls. After his lack of professionalism I requested a refund of retainer, it took him three weeks to provide that and a billing statement where he had double charged me for the initial consultation and marked it half price and charged for bogus hours looking over paperwork related to the case. Took two weeks to get a response from him where he reconciled the double charge and reduced his hours billed. It cost me two months because I was referred here by a friend. Do not go here, you have been warned.
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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:
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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.
