Lawyers map
>188
experienced lawyers
Filter by
3.5
13 Reviews
4.8
51 Reviews
29 Dec, 2024 by Mr garcia
Best in the game.
Read more
12 Dec, 2024 by Michael rotondi
As a male and in California it was unreal what I was going through. When I was introduced to Miss Alves my life turned around and everything made sense. Started from the Bottom now we Here to say the least xoxoxo
Read more
11 Dec, 2024 by Mumder77
I absolutely consider Harmony our Attorney Angel! I was referred to her while trying to get some Family Law attorney recommendations for a child custody case that was getting increasingly unfortunate and ugly. Since I was recommended to her on Facebook, Harmony reached out to me via Messenger the same day I was given her name and offered to meet with us. I let her know that we had a court date coming up fast (one week out) and there were pages and pages of Declarations that I wanted her to review IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. Truly, I didn't at all expect her to take me up on it, but she asked me to email her all the docs (100+ pages!) and said she would review them before we did the free initial consultation with us. That alone would have been enough for me to worship her, but what she did next was the kicker. SHE GOT BACK TO ME AND INSTEAD OF TELLING US HOW TO RETAIN HER SERVICES, SHE TOLD US EXACTLY HOW TO FILE AND WHAT TO SAY IN THE RESPONSE. Her reasoning was that she didn't see the sense in us spending more money on an attorney when we could file the response ourselves prior to the court date and have the same outcome. I was hesitant because child custody is a very emotional issue and we didn't want to "mess up" in any way representing ourselves in court, but she literally told us how to word things, what forms to file, HOW to e-file and what to expect. She even advised us on how to format it so we would have a "guideline" of sorts to reference in court if we got tongue tied. I was SHOCKED, in a good way. Finances are important to everyone and can be overwhelming when dealing with legal issues, but here was Harmony, encouraging us NOT to spend more than necessary, while also explaining exactly how to do that. Crazy!
Court went very well, and we are 1000% convinced this is because Harmony walked us through everything. With her advice, we were able to concentrate and speak more about moving forward for a child than about bashing anyone. She is ethical, kind, not at all judgmental or arrogant, and above all, HUMAN. Such a good, good, GOOD human. I would absolutely recommend Harmony to anyone needing assistance with any sort of Family Law case (I know she also practices Personal Injury as well!). If you are totally confused and overwhelmed, call or email Harmony. You won't regret it!
Read more
22 Jun, 2020 by Darren
Found Haasty at her initial firm she was with and she was awesome. She left that firm and I actually stuck with her and was happy with her attentiveness and compassion. My Family law case was a couple years total and a few months before I was to finally put the whole ordeal behind me, she literally disappeared. The only word I got from her new firm was that she was not available for my case and assigned me to another attorney I knew nothing about. A year and a half of hard work and trust tossed aside with not even an email from Haasty saying...well something at least. If it were just me involved that’s one thing but everything was and still is about my daughter and that’s the worst part. No explanation, we never had any slight hint of an argument, she had my total trust and vanished. Clearly she has come back into the google searches and good for her. But to anyone who might be thinking about retaining her, just keep it in the back of your mind to expect the unexpected from her.
Read more
25 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Haasty is very professional and handled my case accordingly and gave me the best results. I would definitely recommend her for any legal help you need. Thank you!!
Read more
18 Sep, 2017 by David adler
I have had the pleasure of using Haasty's legal services for a few of my cases so far and can't recommend her enough! She is extremely intelligent, very diligent and constantly maintains communication with me, unlike most other professional services I've used. I have been very happy with all of my case results and will continue to use her services when needed.
Read more
22 Jan, 2020 by Kourosh n
I hired Ms Oleary for a divorce matter, I felt like she did not explain all the possible options for me and as soon as I know it she informs me my retainer has been used up for a couple of phone calls. We Cleary had a verbal agreement that my fee would cover me up until trial. During the process I felt judged my her and her legal assistant. This was a process that should have taken a couple months and here I am a year later dealing with the situation
Read more
30 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I needed advice for a friend regarding a preliminary divorce question. I was given a thorough explanation on the phone(lasted about 30 minutes) and an email response with a few instructions that greatly helped my friend and there was no charge. Thank you for all your help.
Read more
17 Apr, 2017 by Mike
Sahar was my advocate in a time I really needed one! She fought for my cause and exceeded all expectations. I honestly recommend her to ANYONE in need of legal help! Keep up the great work Sahar
Read more
08 Feb, 2021 by Jr
I'm not sure who wrote all the reviews, on or around the same day, but their experience does not match my experience with Ms. Stiles at all. I found her to be a highly aggressive, win at all costs, attorney. Her win at all costs game plan almost destroyed my coparenting relationship with my ex. Let's face it, financial issues during a divorce are not easy but they should always be fair and as transparent as possible. I began to see my coparenting relationship deteriorate before my eyes with each strategically crafted correspondence between lawyers. The stress on my children, from the financial battle going on between their parents, was a heartbreaking experience to witness. My decision to finally seek another lawyer was the best decision I ever made. My stress level went down, my divorce got finalized, and I have an amazing coparenting relationship with my ex (I have to wonder if the other reviewers can say the same). I may not have gotten all the money out of my divorce that I possibly could have using Sheila Stiles and her firm, but I've got piece of mind in knowing that my kids will always know that I treated my ex with respect and fairness during a really difficult time.
Read more
07 May, 2020 by Susan
I have nothing but accolades for Sheila Stiles. Sheila handled my divorce arbitration in 2013. I felt overwhelmed by the experience of divorce and Sheila was professional, courteous and supportive throughout. Her knowledge of the facts provided me the confidence I needed and the support that I wanted to reach amicable terms with my spouse. It was settled to the satisfaction of both parties. I have since reached out to her to answer questions that arise regarding my settlement. Her responses have always been timely and concise even though my case is several years old. I am grateful for her counsel and I highly recommend her.
Read more
05 May, 2020 by Kendall
Sheila truly put her whole heart into my convoluted "move away" case. It is evident that she is passionate not only about her work, but also about her clients. She worked fervently over months and months to ultimately win my case. Sheila is committed, enthusiastic, eager, knowledgable, personable and dependable. I am so grateful to have had Sheila represent me!
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
27 Nov, 2024 by Yekaterina kagan
If I could leave a negative review, I absolutely would. My experience with Sharman and her team has been deeply disappointing. Despite being entrusted with my case for nearly a year, no meaningful progress was made, and the situation was made worse due to her lack of preparation and attention to detail.
Sharman clearly never took the time to study my case, which became evident through her repeated oversights and lack of understanding of critical details. Her inaction and carelessness have left me and my family in over $20,000 of debt. Worse, when I retained a new attorney, they discovered that critical documents—like the initial dissolution petition—were missing from the case file Sharman’s team provided.
The contrast between my new attorney and Sharman’s approach is stark. My new attorney is working diligently to fix the damage caused, and the difference is night and day. Sharman’s lack of care and effort has turned my case against me, which no client should have to endure.
I share this review not out of anger but to inform others of my experience. Single parents and vulnerable families deserve better than to be taken advantage of. Please do your research before retaining this attorney or firm.
Read more
05 Nov, 2024 by Mike m
Mr. Mor has been a very helpful and generous soul this weekend. I am currently on unemployment and my unscrupulous former employers decided to challenge my approved claim. Mr. Mor was a cold call and he informed me I did not need to hire him and he spent about 40 minutes counseling me why and explaining some tips. He then had me send over a 40 page document involving the case and gave me another complimentary consultation regarding his thoughts. WHAT LAWYER IN THE WORLD WOULD DO THIS ALL FOR FREE? We had no prior relationship I simply google'd him and he was this kind to me. He specializes in wrongful termination and EDD/unemployment matters. I HIGHLY recommend consulting with this gentleman should a matter arise for you. What a great and caring man. Full disclaimer I had never met him before the cold google call. Sincerely, Mike M.
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by James bieber
He was a bumbling incompetent attorney and I got what I paid for - bargain basement. If you have zero issues he may fumble his way through your case. Anything complex and it’s over his head and he’s out lawyered. I got a call from his assistant on another post I made asking what they can do before responding. Not only is he incompetent- he’s keen to blame everyone but himself and his poor skills. Lots of other attorneys to pick from. Don’t waste your time and money with this guy who can’t add up basic numbers.
Read more
30 May, 2023 by J
This attorney was worthless! She let my ex-wife get away with stealing the title of my 2.2. million-dollar house. She is so utterly incompetent with absolutely NO BACKBONE WHATSOEVER to defend the law or her clients. Because she is so weak-minded and spineless even the judges don't show her any respect. I ended up having to pay back the hard money loan my ex-wife took out with the fraudulent property title! Only because Anna Brace doesn't belong being a lawyer. She should do the rest of the world a favor and quit trying to do a job she clearly can only seem to do on an extremely pathetic level! You are better off hiring a Girl Scout to be your lawyer than this ignorant airhead!
Read more
13 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Can write a book on story of incompetency & greed .
Look for many others attorneys ps .
STAY AWAY.
Read more
04 Mar, 2021 by Danny
My boys’ mother wanted to have our current 50/50 court order changed to 70/50 in her favor. I started a new job that required me to travel for training the first several months. I ended up traveling a lot that first year. During this time, my boys’ mother was keeping a meticulous calendar of when she had our boys on my court ordered time. According to her calendar, she had our boys 70% of the time. Along with some other complaints, she and her attorney brought this calendar into court (thinking it was their winning ACE).
What she and her attorney didn’t know was that I had the winning ace. The real winning ace. Anna C. brACE. Anna not only helped me keep 50/50 custody, she had my boys’ mom pay for the investigator’s fees which where around $1,000. Instead of me paying child support, which I did for the first 5 years, my boys’ mom was ordered to pay me child support and arears for the previous year. If this isn’t a win, I’m not sure what is. I give Anna a full 5 stars. Thank you Anna!
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Vmeza
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service we received from Morgan Law Group, especially Erin and Shannon. From the moment we walked in, they made us feel welcome and at ease, ensuring that every step of the process was smooth and comforting. They took the time to understand our needs and desires, tailoring every detail to our unique situation. Their professionalism and genuine care gave us peace of mind, knowing that when the time comes, everything will be handled with the utmost care and attention. We are so thankful for their support and expertise throughout this experience. Highly recommend Morgan Law Group for anyone seeking thoughtful, compassionate legal guidance! The Mejorado’s
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Cesar mejorado
We had been putting our whole "Afterlife Planning" on the back burner for years. We finally pulled the trigger on the advice of our dependable realtor. Erin and Co. on behalf of Morgan Law made this entire process as painless and transparent as we could hope for. The great thing of it all..is that unlike other service providers, they have made themselves available for any future inquiries or concerns. Do yourselves a favor and take care of your loved ones. It a necessity not a process to be taken lightly. Thank you Erin!
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by R y
So easy to work with, very comprehensive and explains some technical details very well!
Read more
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.
Read more
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!
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
19 Nov, 2021 by Michael sumolang
If you are ever in a tough bind, I would highly suggest Ashley Daniel as your Criminal Defense Attorney. With his previous experience working on the other side of the opposition as a District Attorney, he is able to view things holistically as other attorneys would lack experience in. In return, this would benefit the entire situation, whether or not the allegations are true.
Ashley makes every effort to go above and beyond for you. He tries to help people genuinely by earning an honest living. His prices are reasonable to his scope of practice. His dedication is over the top with his clients and it shows in his tenacious approach.
With that said, it is always best to consider an attorney who will listen to you as a friend and will provide you with the help you are in. Give him a call and I am sure it would not be regrettable.
Read more
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.
Read more
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!!!!!!!!!!
Read more
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.
Read more
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!
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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!
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
