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21 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I retained Mike Gazin and he handled my case poorly. He was very weak in representing my case. I spent over $130k and never got anywhere, but a temporary stipulation that they should have never had me sign. He's not aggressive and as brilliant as some of his colleagues believe him to be. It's all about the $25k retainer fee and then badgering for another $25k replenishment to keep up with their big firm. All they do is go back and forth with opposing cancel, letting the opposition get away with abusing the system. Had to change attorneys. Attorneys need to be held accountable.
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27 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Mike was referred to me by 3 other lawyers who have worked with him. He is competent without question. Most important to me is that he remained calm and confident throughout the process. Even though I would be rattled by events, he was able to put me at ease and reduce the anxiety of the process. He was very efficient with the time and highly responsive (he always responded to my inquiries, even after hours, within a couple of hours). He is very candid about my situation and set my expectations well for what points I could win or lose. I was very fortunate to resolve my case in 7 months. Throughout the process, Mike was open to my ideas on strategies to reach agreement while remaining firm in his recommendations about approaches he thought would do me a disservice. Overall, I felt I concluded my case swiftly and with a most fair deal.
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25 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Michael's high level of integrity was reflected by his efficient and thorough approach to my cases. In every case, I had spent less on attorney fees than the other parties whose hourly attorney fees were lower! His experience and judgement take the nonsense out of legal disputes.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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4.3
36 Reviews
15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Torry heard
Attorney Aja Mann, was my lawyer for 13 years. In those 13 years of representing me, she was outstanding! Not only did she advise me with wisdom and grace, she taught me that you must be fair and compassionate when it comes to difficult situations while co-parenting. Because of her I was able to obtain full custody of my son, and I thank her every day for in some form or fashion for bringing me joy and peace.
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14 Jul, 2024 by Emerson depaz
After visiting my son who lives out of state, I was deeply concerned by his emotional struggles and the difficulties he was facing at home with his mom. As a divorced parent living in another state, I felt powerless to advocate for him and feared I was failing as a father. My visitation rights and other arrangements had always been unfair, dictated by the terms of the other party.
From our first conversation, Aja reassured me that I had parental rights and a voice in my son's well-being. Her exceptional negotiation skills and unwavering advocacy led to more equitable arrangements for our family, prioritizing my son's health and happiness. We are incredibly grateful for her efforts and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a sharp, dedicated attorney who will fight for you.
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13 Jul, 2024 by Iman abron
Aja Simplis was very attentive. She helped me from start to finish and is very professional.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Ray cebrian
I thought that the price to update my trust was kind of high but I still went to Estate Lawyers. Amy Gostanian took all our info and make us understand all the pro and cons in making a trust, paralegal Diane Davis was the go too and she took all info that we agreed during the meeting, she went above and behind to treat us the best way possible, she is a very good hearted person.
Cassidy Russell she was the lawyer that checked the whole trust and make sure that we had all our wishes.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Greg martin
Very disappointed.
Reply to reply. Your firm is still on the service list of documents to this day. We had an agreement where, in lieu of a discount to the total bill, you would continue to represent me on the loose ends at no charge. You then immediately, without notice, filed to be removed as my council.
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03 Aug, 2023 by Jill bartholome
Amy was very kind, helpful and knowledgeable. And, she is fair and reasonable.
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06 Mar, 2022 by Celeste espinoza
I was really pleased with the service of Berstein Law APC. Thank you very much for the ordeal you took into hands and help me make the right decision. This law firm helped get through my business issues. Their attorneys are exceptional and give advice relating to business or business law anytime I call them. I recommend especially if you have business near Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
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25 Jan, 2022 by Raquel fox
I called different law firms and Berstein Law was the only firm I called that someone ( not an answering machine) actually answered my call. Within a short period of time, I consulted with one of the lawyers who was very professional and competent. Days after hiring Berstein Law, everything was resolved. Additionally, Bernstein Law kept my legal costs at a minimum. Without any reservation, I strongly recommend Berstein Law to anyone or any business seeking legal advice, help, and/or representation.
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25 Jan, 2021 by Jesus a.
Has done nothing in my case. Filed for divorce with him and William, very nice people but do not do anything just take your money. My divorce should of been closed by now, especially when Ex even calls him to try and sign paperwork. But I guess they are just lazy and do not want to finish what the start.
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09 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Kaleen for a restraining order case which I was super happy about her helping me out with and winning the case. I then proceeded to hire her to take care of my divorce and child custody and we’ll then things just went down after that. Kaleen and Andrew don’t go above and beyond for their clients. They don’t answer all questions and are not reliable. With my case being so on going, they both decided to just give me the substitution of attorney without finishing my case even though I’ve payed for all services. I felt more anxious and overwhelmed my last hearing while being represented by them. If you want an attorney to have your back and fight for you, they will not be the right people for you.
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20 May, 2016 by Rob
I can't recommend Kaleen enough. She was on top of all of the many steps it takes for a dissolution and kept me informed the whole way. She was attentive to my many questions and went above and beyond to make sure everything was done correctly. If you're looking for a lawyer that knows their stuff and is patient with every step - look no further!
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17 Sep, 2015 by Lila
I have known Kaleen since she started in approximately December of 2011. I am an attorney myself and I have utilized her services for "special appearances" when I have been unavailable. I trust her with my clients as I know that she does her very best to do a good job. She also works with people and does not charge outrageous prices like some of the other attorneys in the area.
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18 Dec, 2023 by Elsie guerin
01 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I was extremely pleased with the representation I received. Always available, professional and looking out for my best interest. Strongly recommend Mr. Vosskuhler.
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30 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Derek took me through the entire divorce process from start to finish. We had to deal with contested custody and visitation issue, support and property division. He was extremely attentive, understanding and represented me both aggressively and professionally. Going through a divorce is always difficult but Mr. Vosskuhler made me feel like I can now move forward with my life. If you have a Family Law case I would highly recommend Mr. Vosskuhler.
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03 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Nicole is professional and smart and I am able to sleep at night knowing she's on my side fighting for me. Having to retain an attorney for family matters involving children is never enjoyable but if you need someone who will truly listen and guide you correctly it's Nicole. She saved my future with my two kids and continues to make sure I have the best legal representation out there. I firmly believe she is one of the top lawyers out there. If you need one of the best give the firm a call and ask for Nicole. Ill continue to refer my family and friends her way.
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19 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Nicole not too long ago to represent me in a scary divorce & custody battle. She was very knowledgeable & experienced. She was very honest with me. She let me know what was worth fighting for & what was a waste of time & money. I felt like she held my hand the entire time. Everything came out great...better than I hoped. My child is happy & healthy. I just found out there was a website for reviews & wanted to thank her publicly for her patience.
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08 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Nicole was pawned off on me, for lack of better words, I went in thinking I was hiring Ms Whyte, and ended up with Miss Schmidt. She was rude through most of the process, and really did not listen, it was much easier for her to handle things in a cookie cutter fashion than to think outside the box. My biggest mistake was not getting a new attorney after our first day in court when she negotiated, I had very little involvement wirh that and was told it was only a preliminary and that we could get it changed later. Come to find out that is actually a very difficult feat. She prefers only contact through email. Once your case is finished, she mmakes it clear that she is no longer your attorney, you can rehire her for $300 an hour to ask her about your specifics about what was agreed upon in your negotiation. There's no information given on preparation for the future and in what instances you are entitled to make negotiations. Now I am paying an even steeper price by financial loss through her settling instead of fighting the fight and by hiring a new attorney to review and inform me of all that was agreed upon.
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02 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I was involved with Tom Walley as part of a new born child custody dispute case. He claims to have the child's best interest in mind but really it's his pocket. He will send tons of wasteful emails, nickle and dime you for it. His arguments and offers are out of this world, never have I heard such ridiculous talk! He loves to make things up, watch out for his colicky baby scheme, it's a doozy! Had it not been for cost I almost wanted to continue to trial to show the other party how useless he is. He will make threats of DVRO for text messaging with zero ground to stand on. In the end me and the other party worked things out with zero input from him. I can't believe he even claims to be a mediator.
He is rude, cocky and extremely unprofessional. Let's be real this guy is a real estate attorney he doesn't know family law, don't let him fool you. His 45yrs experience are NOT family law.
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01 Mar, 2013 by Christine
Tom,
Is one of the most caring and understanding men I have ever met, he is so sensitive to your feelings and is so compassionate to how you are feeling. He is also makes you feel very safe and secure with your decisions. I am so honored to have Tom Walley as my attorney would not have anyone else. Thank you Tom you are the best.
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20 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
I didn't know a thing and Tom took care of everything. He looked out for the best for me. Great guy!! Attention to detail! He was my attorney years ago and I would and have referred him to friends
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13 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I cannot express how difficult it was to work with Marietta Raqueno. I hired Robert as my divorce attorney and she came as part of the package as his assistant. On many occasions, she delayed relaying critical information from the other party in a timely manner, causing me to make important decisions without the benefit of that information. She told me she didn't agree with the lead attorney’s strategy (Robert) and tried to get me to go in a different direction, injecting an unnecessary and infuriating level of chaos and drama into an already difficult situation. To top it off she was arrogant and seemed to lack experience, compassion and maturity . I was very happy with Robert. However if Marietta Raqueno is assigned as the assistant on your case, I would recommend requesting someone else.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Ralph
Ms. Raqueno is professional and ethical in her practice! Ms. Raqueno has a expert command of the laws and procedures governing the execution of cases. In addition she is honest and personable and has the ability to make others feel comfortable with the complex and sensitive issues! I highly recommend this lawyer. Brilliant and wonderful!
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14 May, 2016 by Ron
Marietta helped me through the most trying time in my life. Prior to the pleasure of her taking my case over, I had the unpleasant situation of a less experienced attorney which kept me up all night because of worry. When Marietta took over, my worries disappeared. She understood my goals, explained my options to me throughout the process and kept me informed throughout my case. She always welcomed my comments and respected my opinion. She has an eye for detail and does a good job getting her point across. She made sure I was comfortable with all work product before sending it to posing counsel. As for communication, she is formal and downright honest, which I believe people may mistake for being rude or arrogant. As a businessperson myself, I truly appreciate these qualities about her as she has exceeded my expectations. Her candor is something I quickly learned to appreciate. It was the mutual respect of client and attorney that led to a favorable result in my case - along with Marietta's knowledge of the law and her work product. She came highly recommended as an attorney and I would recommend her to anybody needing a family law attorney.
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28 Apr, 2016 by Harmony f
Mr. Kerwin and his associates are by far the best team of family law group I have on my side. I can't say enough about his integrity, intelligence and professionalism. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have him on my side. My divorce case includes so much complications from Fraud from the ex to everyone involved on his side including his lawyer. Only a highly intelligent team could handle so much fraud and disgusting act from the opposing lawyer and her client but Mr. Kerwin has stood his ground solid.
I like to nominate him as the BEST ORANGE COUNTY DIVORCE LAWYER.
God bless him and his hard-working team doing an amazing job on my case.
THANK YOU
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09 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
In my opinion and experience with him you name it - he did it poorly or only when he got around to it. No communication, And again, in my experience, I would give him less than1 star for trustworthy.
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17 Nov, 2012 by Emily wheaton
Attorney Bill Kerwin helped me through a very difficult divorce. He was patient and very supportive. He also fought for my parenting rights and kept me centered.
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07 Nov, 2016 by Jj
It took us over a year to finally settle with my ex, but he always called and kept me notified of what was going on and what was expected. I would recommend him to anyone.
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04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
While Mr. Pederzani may be very good at encouraging a settlement, he didn't have an interest in listening to my opinion. In my case, I indicated several times that I didn't think my wife was negotiating in good-faith. Rather than considering my feedback, Mr. Pederzani would lecture me that he had 37-years of experience and his "reach-out to your wife" approach would work. In fact, he would routinely call me with status reports with long-winded discussions. I attempted to cut short his lectures because it was rather expensive to listen to these lectures, but he would keep going and going. Needless to say, he burned through the retainer without producing any results. I eventually retained an aggressive attorney, where we successfully and cost-effectively dictated settlement terms. If both parties can settle, then Mr. Pederzani might be an excellent attorney. In my case, I'm very happy to have switched to someone that listened to my opinion.
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05 Sep, 2015 by Mike
Initially, we simply wanted an exceptional family attorney who would represent us well. With Bob, not only did we get the results we wanted, but we got a good person who also cared about us and helped us through a very difficult season of life. He was timely in all of his communication, and moved the case along as efficiently and effectively as possible. And unlike our previous attorney, Bob did not overcharge us for anything. My family and I could not have asked for a better attorney.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Sarah
My friend got into a bad situation and a very reliable person recommended her to contact David Flyer. When she contacted the office, the representative on the phone (she didn't provide her name or qualifications) took note of the case details but she decided to start dictating instructions to my friend rather than letting her know if a lawyer would be in contact. My friend was surprised and asked whether or not she could contact the attorney in order to see if he was interested in her case and the possibility of becoming a future client. The woman told my friend that she deserved to be placed in that situation because she didn't follow her instructions even though all she wanted was to contact someone for help. I'm not sure of the capability of the attorney, however his staff are unprofessional, rude, and condescending.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
I had to retain Mr. Flyer for a divorce. He's doesn't sugar coat it, gives you the law, options and makes recommendations to come to a resolution quickly (so you don't have to keep paying attorney's fees). Unfortunately I was married to someone that was looking to make my life hell, and thankfully Mr. Flyer knows the law and was able to deal with his antics. After it was all finished at trial, opposing counsel was supposed to write up everything. After not hearing from them, Mr. Flyer moved forward, wrote it all up and filed it with the court to get things finalized. We never heard from opposing counsel again - I guess the outcome wasn't what my ex expected! I have referred several friends to him as well, and all appreciate his honest, straight forward approach.
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05 May, 2015 by Anonymous
This guy is a super lawyer. He's like a machine, like a computer. He may not be the most sympathetic person, but if you want to know the truth about your case with no BS, he's your man. One thing I like most about him (besides the fact he does excellent legal work) is he always takes my phone calls and if he's not in, he calls me back immediately. My last lawyer, I could tell, was having his secretary lie and say he wasn't in when he was. There's none of that with Mr. Flyer. His work is always ready early and there's no last minute hurry up. I've used him twice now and I ALWAYS recommend him to my friends.
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14 May, 2023 by Kim
Hi neglect caused me to loose one of my cases and my home. Had he been prepared I would have won hands down. And instead of being ethical he double bills, is neglectful and pretty much a bad guy. He asked me to break the law which I refused and lied about communication only to extend my case, increase my billing for himself and Glenn Mehner who by the way never completed work and lied to the court.
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28 Sep, 2019 by Allison
No one wants to say they have a family law attorney on retainer, but if you need some serious representation, you've got to hire John R. Schilling (who my father-in-law has dubbed, "The Orange County Baracuda"). John has been my family law attorney for years, always offering sound advisement for a myriad of divorce, and custody-related issues. John's office and staff (Tara Villa and Vickie Conner) have been so personal and kind during some of the darkest times of my family's life. With his unrelenting determination to seek a just and fair outcome for his client, John was able to gain "client control" over my petulant ex-husband that even HIS own attorney could not. John is very confident and commanding in the courtroom, and has decades of experience with all the judges and any fellow attorney worth their salt.
THANK YOU, John, Tara, and Vickie!
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18 Sep, 2019 by Davis r.
If you want great results - then you must hire John. He has handled two of my divorces and each time he exceeded my expectations.
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04 Nov, 2021 by California dad
Over many years and situations, Shannon has been very reliable, communicative. Knowledgeable, and intentional about our families success. Bought recommend Shannon and her staff. I will always retain and utilize her expert services. I trust Shannon with my families future.
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15 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
DO NOT HIRE this person. I wish I could leave my email address so I could prove to you everything I am saying. Although I won't be able to list everything on this review considering there is so much negativity I can say about Shannon.
I'm currently going through a divorce and this lawyer is only concerned with splitting my assets - completely refuses to question my wife's transfers of money to all kinds of different accounts.
She will bill you for anyone that contacts her and mentions your name even if it has NOTHING to do with the divorce, i.e. realtor's lawyer and escrow. I have spent over 20k in lawyer fees and haven't made it to court to get a final ruling. I had to go completely off on her before she would subpoena my credit union and she was upset because I proved I had over 26k prior to marriage. Shannon refuses to provide a description for the plethora of claimed correspondences she had with opposing counsel. We are only talking about two of my bank accounts, 401k and pension - why so many correspondences????
Shannon made sure she called me 30 mins prior to the Mandatory Settlement Conference just to threaten me not to say anything during the hearing or she would force me to sign a substitution of attorney. Shannon and my ex's lawyer were obviously afraid I would bring up issues that you would think Shannon would bring up since she's suppose to be my lawyer. Example, my ex signed the listing of the house and the quick deed late, but wasn't sanctioned by the court; however, ironically, I have followed everything in the court order, but Shannon has threatened me many times of being sanctioned by the court if I didn't do everything she told me to do - and that is to give up everything of mine and not to worry about what my ex tucked away for eight years. Shannon had a great opportunity to eliminate the spousal support considering the court order clearly states that each party is suppose to notify the other party if they get a new job. My ex got a new job in July 2019, but I wasn't informed of that until the MSC which was in December 2019. My spousal support should have been lowered back in July but Shannon states that it doesn't work like like, even though they retrod my spousal payments several months. I truly believe the judge would have eliminated the spousal support considering my ex proved she will not inform me or the court if she start making more money.
I will definitely be taking Shannon to the Bar Association!!!!!!!!!!
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09 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
Shannon got me the results that I wanted. She is an exceptional attorney, and I would highly recommend her to anyone. Divorce is a difficult process, but Shannon really cared about making sure that I received a fair settlement. She fought hard for my priorities. She was straightforward about what to expect in the process, a strong advocate and an effective negotiator. I am grateful that I hired her.
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11 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I paid and hired her during my divorce in 2019, unfortunately Covid hit and my ex still hadn't paid her. Come end of 2021 things start moving since he submitted his payment. Only for her to do it wrong and pull out 3x what he was supposed to receive. A rather LARGE error and blamed me for it being incorrect. Had a new QDRO completed to "fix it" that took even more money out. AND STILL NO MONEY RETURNED from the incorrect withdrawal. It's been almost 8 months since the first error and almost a year of issues in total. DON'T HIRE HER!
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07 Nov, 2020 by Philip
My ex wife and I are 2.5 years into settling the two QUADROs that we’re ordered in our divorce. On the recommendation of my attorney, we paid Nancy Bunn to file the documents for the pension and 401k plans. She initially took a little over a year to “complete” the filings. Then we discovered that she had only filed documents for the 401k. “Oh... there’s a pension too?” Another few months pass and Nancy tells us that it’s all complete.
My ex recently changed jobs so as part of her separation from her employer she was asked what she wanted them to do with the pension money. It turns out that Nancy has never filed the correct documents and the company was not aware of the QUADRO on the pension.
People make mistakes, but this woman is very old and her behavior resembles someone having memory issues. She doesn’t return calls and when you do reach her she babbles in circles and you have to tell her multiple time who you are. I’ve been told that she was a great attorney back in the day, but that day has passed. Don’t take the risk working with Nancy.
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14 Oct, 2020 by Deborah ackenback
Ms. Bunn came highly recommended, and she did not disappoint. Nancy is very knowledgeable about the QUADRO law and process. I highly recommend her.
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12 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
My experience was that this attorney can ramp up the stress of a divorce to an almost unbearable degree. He rarely responded to written letters (he doesn't use email), or messages left with the receptionist (he doesn't use voicemail), doesn't answer any question directly, and in general this man gave me the constant feeling that I was completely disrespected and he'd be handling my divorce his way: my input and/or factual information was unwelcome. The mistakes he made were very costly to me, and never acknowledged by him. I would have given up a lot of money not to go through the extra years of agony with this attorney.
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19 May, 2016 by Bill
Hired Briggs to defend me in a divorce case. He did just fine in court, but holy smokes, this old dude is so far behind the times that it is virtually impossible to communicate with him. He'll bill you for work executed incorrectly, then charge you to fix his own mistakes. Then if you ask him about it, he'll get bent out of shape and try to drop you. I know, that is precisely what happened to me. I'd really suggest going with somebody a bit younger and more up with modern day modes of communication and who has a more customer-oriented focus and is still sharp.
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21 Feb, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Briggs is hands down the best family law attorney in Orange County. This is not just my opinion, but the opinion of anyone that does anything related to family law in OC.
Mr. Briggs handled a difficult case for me and helped get things back on track. He is intelligent, insightful, and commands the respect of both his peers and judges.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to go to trial, then there is no better attorney in Orange County, and perhaps Southern California, to handle your case. He can only be described as a "killer" in court. He will rip to shred any so called "expert" on cross-examination. He is also a master at creating a clear and winning theme for your case that he supports with evidence, arguments, and witness selection.
Had Mr. Briggs chosen civil litigation, I have no doubt that he would have single-handedly brought down big tobacco. He is that good both in and out of court.
A previous review mentioned that Mr. Briggs is "unresponsive." That's not accurate. Mr. Briggs has been practicing for over 40 years and knows what matters and what doesn't. Most family law litigants become obsessed with meaningless details. Mr. Briggs could, as many family law attorneys do, run up your bill by engaging you in meaningless dialogue. Instead. Mr. Briggs stays focused on what matters to deliver the best results while keeping your costs to a minimum.
Is Mr. Briggs "cheap?" My answer to that is simple. There are attorneys who have a lower hourly and require a smaller retainer. But remember, there is nothing more expensive than hiring a bad lawyer.
Mr. Briggs is actually very reasonably priced when you consider the results he delivers.
Additionally, after hiring Mr. Briggs you will instantly have the respect and attention of opposing counsel (something that you will not have if you go at it "pro-per", especially in OC).
If you have a family law matter in Orange County, do yourself a favor and hire Mr. Briggs. Trust him, listen to him, and do what he tells you to do. You'll be happy you did.
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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.
