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22 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Lily is experienced, professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, fearless, and honest. She was the second divorce attorney I hired: the first one did not know how to handle a high conflict divorce, but Lily was quick to understand the situation, and fought for me, to achieve the best possible outcome in a bad situation. I was truly afraid of my ex spouse, who could be extremely spiteful, and Lily helped me to feel safe. I appreciated that she did not employ dirty tactics or lies, which the other party did, but was still an able, calm yet fierce advocate for me and for the interests of my children. She knows the laws and the courts very well. I could count on her to give me her honest assessment of the situation and possible/probable scenarios, to fight for me where it made sense to fight, but also to help to bring us to a workable agreement whenever the opportunity arose. She advocated so that I could make choices that I could live with: I wanted to keep my house, and she helped me to do that, even when the other party wanted to force me to sell it. However, she did encourage me to think about all of the options that were available to me before making my decisions. She was kind, patient, and encouraging when I felt that I could not tolerate the stress of the divorce. I believe that she truly understands what divorce feels like for her clients, having been through it herself once. I recommend her highly to anyone who is going through a divorce.
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21 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I just finished with more than a year long divorce "saga". Thanks to Lily, we were able to avoid a trial and the case was settled on quite reasonable terms.
When my now ex- filed for divorce, I interviewed 3 lawyers and did not feel comfortable. A friend of a friend of mine recommended Lily, and after we first met I was quite confident that I can trust her. Step after step after step, thanks to Lily, we were getting into more and more advantageous position.
Lily is a pleasure to deal with; she is easily accessible (you don't need to go through layers of secretaries, assistants to ask a question) , personable, very experienced, has a great intuition and great sense of humor.
Divorce is terrible situation, but if you get a lawyer that you are comfortable with, it makes things much easier.
I would recommend Lily wholeheartedly.
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03 Apr, 2015 by Jen
Lily started off as my review attorney in mediation, where her savvy intuition lead us to information about which I was unaware during my marriage. We ended up in court where she made sure I would be taken care of financially. It was a major success, thanks to Lily.
She was always accessible (and continues to be), excellent communicator, explained everything to me in a way I'd comprehend, kept me calm, and again, secured me with a more than satisfying settlement.
I will always be grateful to Lily for making sure me & my kids will be taken care of. I highly recommend her for ANY case!
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24 Aug, 2021 by Erik
Very professional. Very savvy. Understands her clients well. Highly recommend!
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02 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Brittney starts with a huge advantage as she is very smart, strong and secure. This permits Brittney to offer thoughtful and wise counsel which she was then able to follow through on fully. While I felt that she was fully committed to my case, Brittney is a fair and decent person who had the confidence to disagree where I was wrong. That worked to my advantage. Brittney is unusually perceptive about finance and has a feel for the numbers. I am not signing up to do it again but would unreservedly recommend Brittney.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Brittney was always available during my entire divorce proceeding. Not only was she a strong advocate for my rights ,she was very compassionate during this very difficult time in my life. She achieved results that were way beyond what I expected.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Henrik reid
highly recommended. I have been included in a number of class action lawsuits with Leeds. First thing- they have an lovely secretary who picks up the phone right away. In an age of tapping on numbers to get to different deptartments, this just makes life easier. I have been in touch with Dave Mayo a number of times who answered all my questions thoroughly as if he had all the time in the world. If you want boutique service, I highly recimmend Leeds!!!
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22 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Tara is awful. She's extremely caustic, arrogant and only interested in money. Sadly, she doesn't put her client's needs first. RUN if you get her assigned to represent your child.
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12 Nov, 2023 by Nick kishchenko
Yes he’s a good lawyer, and helped me get out of my ticket!! Highly recommend.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Carissa valderrama
Mr. Amsel is the BEST lawyer out there! He represented my partner for almost two years. It eventually went to trial in Queens and he was found not guilty. I cannot be more grateful for Mr. Amsel. He is extremely dedicated to what he does, he knows the law, and was super attentive. Truly the best!
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26 Dec, 2024 by Elvin vargas
25 Dec, 2024 by Eli dollers
The greatest and most patient person to deal with me in the worst time of my life and get great immaculate results love him for saving my life
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28 Dec, 2024 by Carissa valderrama
Mr. Amsel is the BEST lawyer out there! He represented my partner for almost two years. It eventually went to trial in Queens and he was found not guilty. I cannot be more grateful for Mr. Amsel. He is extremely dedicated to what he does, he knows the law, and was super attentive. Truly the best!
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26 Dec, 2024 by Elvin vargas
25 Dec, 2024 by Eli dollers
The greatest and most patient person to deal with me in the worst time of my life and get great immaculate results love him for saving my life
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30 Jul, 2013 by Rovjen john
Sal represented me in my Divorce. he answered all my questions promptly. I felt he had my best interest at heart. Sal was aggressive when the situation called for it as well as fast on his feet, but always directed the process toward reaching a resolution. I would definitely recommend Salvatore..
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26 Jul, 2013 by Michael
Hiring Salvatore Scibetta was an incredibly wise choice. He is a very sophisticated, charasmatic, personable and thorough attorney; as well as being understanding and compromising to the financial needs of his clients. He allowed me to be at my utmost comfortability while handling my proceedings by keeping me well informed and realistic during the process. He is caring and considerate of the family and friends as well, while remaining completely professional. Above all his courtroom manner and confidence seem to transcend into his client(s). His handling of all the above has alotted me a second chance if you will, at restoring my future and reputation and for that I am eternaly grateful to Mr. Scibetta and would strongly recommend him to any person seeking assistance in the future.
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03 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
I was very fortunate to have Shivani represent me in connection with a prenuptial agreement, and I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of representation in a matrimonial/family law matter. Shivani made what could have been an awkward and uncomfortable process into a completely manageable, expeditious, and helpful experience. She displayed a comprehensive knowledge of the law at all times, and she was an exceptional listener throughout. This made her particularly effective because it meant that, at the outset, she was able to offer meaningful help to me as I defined my concerns and priorities, and then in drafting the substance of the agreement, she was able to be immediately responsive to the concerns and priorities I had identified, which made the process significantly less stressful and much more efficient overall. Shivani also did a wonderful job of addressing all of my questions in a clear, informed, and thorough manner, and I came away with a solid understanding of all of the nuances of the agreement and the applicable law as a result. In addition, Shivani always made sure to relay anything that I might need to refer back to in writing, and I was consequently left at the end of the process with a very clear record of everything that had transpired and all of the relevant background information, and this will certainly be very helpful in the future if any questions about the agreement arise. In sum, Shivani is a truly conscientious and skilled attorney, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her.
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02 Mar, 2019 by Mandi
I am really glad to have worked with Shivani on my divorce because everything was made very easy for me. Shivani was available, clear, organised, communicative, warm and determined. Very professional and worked with ease during the complexity of this legal process which is admirable and intelligent. All of these things I needed at the time. Shivani took very good care of me. For example, personally attending an inspection for my protection. Shivani explained all of the information regarding my divorce concisely, comprehensibly and patiently and so the divorce jargon proved to not be complicated for me. The combination of expertise and confidence in Shivani was clear. I never felt any discomfort during this process. Although the opposing counsel were not as timely, Shivani was persistent and it felt so rewarding during a potentially stressful and overwhelming divorce. Shivani and the staff at Rower LLC were impeccable. I spoke to several lawyers prior to Rower LLC and I highly recommend Shivani and Rower LLC.
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16 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Great lawyer who really knows his stuff. I was very happy with how he did in court. Highly recommend.
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01 Sep, 2017 by John
He respected and understood the complexity of my case. Made me feel like family and gave me a very satisfactory outcome.
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19 Jul, 2017 by Ed
A trusted friend recommended Mr. Lippman to me because my case was time sensitive. Lucky that she did! From first contact Mr. Lippman diligently collected my records, strategically organized my arguments, and aggressively advocated for my rights. Thanks to him my case was resolved favorably, which was a tremendous relief. Highly recommended!
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07 Jul, 2017 by Seth
Mr. Lippman was always thorough and timely in his dealings with my case. He went through everything with detailed yet easy to understand explainations. I would highly recommend him.
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18 Feb, 2020 by Ed
I hired Nick in the fall of 2018 to represent me in a property dispute and we were able to get the case dismissed. Nick proved to be everything an advocate and lawyer should be, but so often isn't. My expectations with any lawyer are measured in smarts, preparedness, responsiveness and a personalized, case specific approach and Nick went above and beyond all categories. I also very much appreciated his not running up costs and/or making billable hours the priority as has been my experience with other lawyers in the past. I would highly recommend Nick and would not hesitate to engage him myself again.
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03 Feb, 2020 by Junaid
I hired Nick to help me get visitation of my son and also do my divorce. I highly recommend him. It was quite a complex case but Nick got me exactly as I wanted. He is absolutely great and an honest person. Can’t thank him enough!
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08 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
If you are looking for a firm to help with your prenuptial agreement, I highly recommend the Vacca Family Law Group.
After my initial consultation with Marcos Fernandez and his team, I searched no more. He is clearly an expert in this field, and very meticulous in his work. His guidance and knowledge is really invaluable, in addition to being very patient and approachable throughout the entire process. He also facilitated a four-way approach to ensure my (now) husband and I were fairly represented, which was a unique style in comparison to the conventional route.
The entire team behind him was also very responsive with excellent communication. Thank you again to everyone.
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23 Feb, 2016 by Ben
Marcos represented myself and roommates in a dispute with our previous landlord regarding the refund of our security deposit. The landlord was combative and neglectful on any issues in the apartment, and ultimately tried to withhold half of our security deposit without providing any justification. Marcos kept us well informed throughout every step of the process, and was very responsive on any inquiries we had. He dealt with our overly aggressive landlord in a way that was both professional and protective of our interests, and he ultimately recouped 90% of the security deposit funds that were withheld from us. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel or representation.
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31 Jan, 2018 by Moshe
Mr. Jeffrey R. Berke was fantastic! From the moment I first spoke with him, I knew he was extremely dedicated to his work and clients. Not only has he been timely in communicating with me, the court, and the opposing attorney, he has also been very honest in his advice to me. Mr. Berke is extremely trustworthy and prefers to help in making the best decisions for his clients and their future over making decisions that would prolong issues and cost his clients both time and money. Mr. Berke, was more concerned about helping me than he was about collecting money from me. He cared about what I was going through and not just looking at the situation as a payday. He made the process as quick and painless as he could. I could not be more grateful for his help. I would highly recommend Mr. Berke to anyone having to deal with a divorce or any family issue. He is the best!
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11 Mar, 2016 by Alfred
Jeffrey Berke saved my life. I have been trying to get divorced for i would say about five years or so. It was originally uncontested and believe it or not, the referee assigned to the case was the one making it contested. He even threatened to take my son from me. Jeffrey did what I was beginning to think was impossible. When I finally got to see the judge I didn't say a word before she was throwing the book at me. But Jeffrey fought hard to make sure I got everything I wanted. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!! (Brilliant!)
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16 Jan, 2019 by Lori
I found James to be very honest and fair during a custody case. HE got the job done and he's a real person that does not think he is better than everyone else. He is precise and accurate, and helped me very much to regain custody of my child.
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08 Feb, 2014 by Thomas
Jim was very helpful with my trademark issue and also made sure to check back with me to make sure my issue did not need any further help.
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22 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Working with Fersch Petitti- specifically having Danielle Petitti represent me during a custody trial was a total godsend. She is one of the brightest lawyers in her field- she is very well known in the court system, and completely respected. She cares about her job, her clients, and also getting a peaceful outcome for families. Her organized and thoughtful manner of presentation, along with her staggering ability to recount, organize and prepare details makes her invaluable. I cannot recommend the firm more highly- they know and understand the law down to the most minute of details, how comforting if you are going through the pain of divorce and custody arrangement!
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15 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Danielle Pettiti was my attorney during a very difficult and nasty divorce and custody battle that lasted 4 years. She was there for me when I didn't think I could keep going. She was the voice of reason when I often thought I was going to lose my mind and talked me off of MANY ledges (many times), and she is one of the smartest people I've ever met. Danielle was honest with me, even when the truth wasn't always easy to hear, when the outcome wasn't always fair. She stuck up for me and stayed with me every step of the way, a true advocate for me. Danielle took on every challenge and road block that was thrown our way like a true professional and expert in her field. I wouldn't be where I am today without her. I would not have my family today if it weren't for her. I truly owe her more than I could ever express in this review. Danielle, thank you for being in my corner and always fighting for me! You are an amazing person and attorney!
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06 Mar, 2011 by Pascale
Cindy took over my divorce case from my former lawyer and she quickly learned all the details of the case. My divorce was not amicable or simple. We owned several properties together and our finances were very complicated. Cindy's knowledge, professionalism and efficiency kept my ex and I focused on the negotiations. She skillfully mediated difficult, touchy topics and she kept the process moving. She is well-versed in handling divorces and clearly explained my options each step of the way. My ex didn't have a lawyer so Cindy had to deal with him directly, as he was pro se (representing himself). She's great with people and summed up my situation with him pretty quickly. She dealt with him perfectly. We were able to sign a fair agreement that I was happy with and we avoid a costly trial. I am incredibly grateful to Cindy for her advice, understanding and diligence, especially for being persistent with the judge's office in getting the divorce paperwork filed.
I am divorced. I am happy. I am thankful to Cindy for helping me through a difficult period in my life. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a competent, effective divorce lawyer. She gets the job done.
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29 Dec, 2010 by Hq, new york
Cindy Sanchez has been my lawyer since 2005. She was referred to me through a legal plan I had at my job. I hired Cindy to help me obtain a shared physical and legal custody of my children. My case was fairly complicated since my children's mother took them to another state with the intention of relocating to that state just before the beginning of the school year. My children were supposed to go back to school in September 2005 in New York City. However, their mother enrolled them in a school in another state, 700 miles away from New York City. Cindy was able to convince the judge to schedule a court hearing early in September 2005. This was extremely important because the longer my children stayed in the school out-of-state, the smaller the chance that the judge would order to bring my children back in their school in New York was. Cindy was extremely helpful to ensure that my children's mother could be served with the order to appear in court. My children's mother was very difficult to find. I first try the local police to serve her but it did not work. Cindy advised me to hire a local professional to do the serving. In a matter of minutes, she was able to identify this professional. It was critical to do the serving during the appropriate time window. Otherwise, the court date would have been postponed to October 2005. As I mentioned before, this would have tremendously reduced the chance of having my children back in their school in New York for the year 2005-2006. During the court hearing in September 2005, the judge ordered that my children had to return to their school in New York. I was relieved by this decision. I can say that without the expertise and responsiveness of Cindy, my children would not have returned to New York.
Cindy was resourceful, insightful, and supportive at every stage of the divorce process. She helped me obtain a shared physical and legal custody of my children. She has also successfully helped me with a few custody issues since the divorce. Cindy is a very intelligent and knowlegdeable lawyer who has the ability to listen to the client and fully understand his/her needs, concerns, and fears. I have also appreciated her very pleasant and balanced personality. I highly recommend Cindy.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Peter
When my ex wife hired a top Madison Ave lawyer to represent her interests in a very poorly drawn out divorce/property settlement with a lot of loose ends, (Mediator shall remain anonymous) - it threw me and my current wife into turmoil.
I felt fear.
We were so fortunate to have found Lauren to represent us.
Lauren grounded us and explained the situation and its various outcomes. Lauren worked tirelessly and expertly and responded to our questions.
Lauren argued our points elegantly and directly against a very aggressive and established opposition team. Lauren acted patiently with us when we asked the same questions more than once and answered messages that were time sensitive at one point at 2;30am so that we could respond on time.
We finished with a decent buyout with satisfaction and closure. At the very end the frustration of the opposition councils unexpected shortcoming was obvious. Kudos to you Lauren! And thank you for doing a thoroughly great job. I am sure that the future holds great success for you. Thank you, Peter L. Joan P.
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07 May, 2019 by Alisa roever
Very smart, strong, caring lawyer. Always quick answer and respond and quick problem solving advise. Very hard working and motivating. Helped a lot to settle and look out for me. Highly recommend this lawyer!
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07 Apr, 2015 by Judy
I am pleased to recommend Bernard Post and his firm. They were available, and their advice and counsel helped me get to an excellent result for me...and for my children. I strongly recommend him as a matrimonial lawyer.
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25 Apr, 2013 by Judith
I found Bernard Post very professional, called me back promptly and answered all my concerns. I highly recommend him on divorce matters. He got me a very fair settlement.
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22 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
My Husband and I hired Ms. Formosa to mediate our divorce and she did so with compassion and capability. I would highly recommend her to any couple looking to mediate.
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16 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
My legal name change was handled in a concise, efficient manner. I appreciate the professional manner in which I was treated not only by Ms. Formosa, but the staff in her office as well. The entire process was explained to me clearly, I was billed accurately and appropriately. I would highly recommend her as an attorney and would not hesitate to hire her again.
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20 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Neena was instrumental in achieving a positive outcome from my very difficult and complex divorce. Her professionalism, advice, skillful negotiation and accessibility made her a pleasure to work with. Her counsel made an agonizing situation seem more manageable. I highly recommend her as she is a superb family law attorney.
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18 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Neena has provided me years of legal guidance and helped shape several life decisions and business contracts that have greatly impacted my career and personal life. No detail is left unlooked when reviewing my cases and I have found her focus on my best interest always comes first. Neena is timely and considerate to deadlines. Not only does she provide sound advice but takes the time to explain her recommendations. I have recommended Neena's legal services to several friends, co-workers and family members.
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17 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Sternberg represented me in a post divorve enforcement proceeding. I found him to be knowledgeable, accessible, and responsive. I highly recommend him to potential clients.
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10 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
MR. STERNBERG took over my divorce case from a previous lawyer who had handled the case up to and including the trial. . MR. STERNBERG was successful in convincing the Appeallate Division to correct a multitude of mistakes made by the trial judge. Not only did Mr. Sternberg make the ultimate outcome greatly more palatable,he was successful in creating a landmark precedent in the matrimonial pension field. He greatly enhanced my equitable distribution award and was able to obtain a credit for college tuition I had paid for my son. Mr. Sternberg is the epitome of what an excellent lawyer should be: honest, forthright, compassionate, and a dogged advocate who pursues his client's position relentlessly and succeeds by dint of hard work, superior knowledge of the law and intense focus. He certainly gained my respect as well as the respect of opposing counsel. Mr. Sternberg also assisted me in connection with collateral proceedings such as a mortgage foreclosure proceeding and the support enforcement process and helped me to obtain a reverse mortgage, something which made it feasible to pay off my husband and the bank and still be able to stay in my home. His knowledge of pension law and the matrimonial aspects of social security were very beneficial. I highly recommend Mr. Sternberg. He will exceed your expectations and will be the most impressive attorney you will ever meet.
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16 Aug, 2017 by Denise
I met Jill years ago when I was pregnant, penniless and fighting to gain custody of my daughter who was kidnapped by her father. Jill is the best attorney I have ever met, she went above and beyond for us. When the judge gave him 24hrs to return my child to me I couldn't stop thanking her. My daughter graduated NYU & one day I will find Jill & thank her in person. She is tough as nails, She encouraged me to be strong & keep fighting. She's an amazing attorney believe me you won't regret choosing her to represent you. She's the best
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25 Mar, 2010 by Michelle
I highly recommend Ms. Zuccardy as an attorney. She handled two cases of mine, both very different, and in both instances she was successful in representing me and my interests. She was always prompt and professional. I felt she gave my cases a great deal of time and effort even though they were not "big cases". I always felt well cared for and informed of what was happening.
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03 May, 2018 by Carole
It's not everyday you come across an empathetic and knowledgeable lawyer. Chaim is incredibly kind, resourceful and knowledgable in areas of international family law. I felt very confident speaking with him as he is committed to understanding and empowering his clients. I highly recommend his service for mothers seeking a family advocate.
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23 Mar, 2018 by John korpics
Chaim was incredibly generous with his time, helped me to understand my situation clearly and gave me advise that was in my best interest regardless of whether it led to me hiring him or not. He is considerate, meticulous and genuinely wants whatever is best and makes the most sense for his client.
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24 Aug, 2023 by Oscar delacruz
Beatrice Leong is one of the best lawyer that you could hired right now, she took me by the hand and guided me through a horrible divorce.She’s very knowledgeable of the law and very attentive to your particular needs. Trust in her and believe me you won’t regret it!..
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11 Jul, 2019 by Ali
If you want great, professional lawyer that will listen to your need and do the best for your interests, look no father than Mrs Beatrice Leong
I had complicated divorce and I couldn’t wish for better result!
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03 Jan, 2025 by G.a.b. security llc
22 Nov, 2024 by Mercedes linarte
Recently used David Centeno’s services for my uncontested divorce and I must say everything was so easy all of my questions and concerns were met and answered in a timely manner and my divorce was over and done with in less than 5 mnths! Absolutely recommend !
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27 Oct, 2024 by Charles blake
David centano and his law firm was absolutely terrific . They kept me informed the whole way and the firm work quickly and efficiently and diligently.. I couldn’t have found a better attorney for my annulment. I was happy with my results
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05 Dec, 2024 by Lana g
I have been using Norman's help for a number of years, on several occasions. I can vouch that Norman is very smart, experienced, and pleasant to work with. I highly recommend Norman for legal services.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Clemente saint-jacques
I highly recommend Norman Spencer!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Jeffrey wolf
Robert is very knowledgeable and helpful in his field.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Charlie martinez
I have had several wonderful experiences with Cassandra Spangler. She has worked with me to get me the best deals possible and has perfectly attended to my needs as a working musician and producer. Cassandra has increased my worth and value and protected me in this competitive business.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Doug ferony
Cassandra, Is very Knowlegable, effciant and Thorough in Music Law, I am very happy with her work, Reccomended!! Doug Ferony
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03 Jan, 2025 by M foster
Very competent and professional music lawyer.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Henrik reid
highly recommended. I have been included in a number of class action lawsuits with Leeds. First thing- they have an lovely secretary who picks up the phone right away. In an age of tapping on numbers to get to different deptartments, this just makes life easier. I have been in touch with Dave Mayo a number of times who answered all my questions thoroughly as if he had all the time in the world. If you want boutique service, I highly recimmend Leeds!!!
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12 Nov, 2023 by Nick kishchenko
Yes he’s a good lawyer, and helped me get out of my ticket!! Highly recommend.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Sam polland
The best special education attorney in NYC!
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23 Dec, 2016 by Evelyn
I had the pleasure of hiring this lawyer a few years ago to handle my deceased mother's estate. Prior to her death, he assisted me with the purchase of her house and created a will for her at her request. He was also extremely instrumental in helping me with a Class Action suit that my mother had been participating in before her death; ensuring that I as her next of kin received the residual benefits yielded fro that suit. He also assisted me with becoming her Power of Attorney when she was no longer able to handle business on her own (as per her request).
I highly recommend Mr. Sorote to anyone needing an attorney who bends over backwards in an effort to make positive things happen and see justice served in any scenario. He masters all components of his field and gets results.
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13 Nov, 2009 by Jason
Meir was referred to me by another lawyer for his understanding of immigration in the context of business and work visas.
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12 Oct, 2010 by Anonymous
very professional, aggressive and looked out for my best interest. we were awarded the most because of his diligence and hard work. i would definitely recommend him to everyone i know. personal injury, family law, medical malpractice, real estate, etc....he does it all!
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FAQs
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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.
