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05 Dec, 2024 by Erik gunderson
Jay was wonderful to work with took the time to answer questions I would highly recommend him to anybody interested in estate planning. This law firm went above and beyond.
Thanks Erik
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31 Oct, 2024 by Tim saari
Jay handled my probate problem to my satisfaction in a timely manner and was very fair on his billing. thanks again Tim
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10 Oct, 2024 by Michael johnston
Jay has a remarkable way of making uncomfortable conversations very comfortable. When drafting a document focused on the end of our lives, my wife and I found Jay‘s guidance exceptional.
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25 Jun, 2024 by Martinezj1120
I couldn't ask for better representation. Mr. Bain represented me during a traffic case in 36th District Court and did everything he said he was going to do. From the first moment I contacted him, he was honest, sincere, and put me and my family's minds at ease. He was always in contact and very accessible throughout my case. I know that he truly cared about me as a client and that can not be said about every lawyer. Without hesitation, I strongly recommend you contact Dan Bain for an honest assessment of your situation.
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05 Dec, 2021 by Rashelle jaquand
John and Lauren are great!!
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31 Aug, 2021 by Frank time
Professional
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04 Jun, 2018 by Michael
I had a OWI case in Novi, which was the first time Ive ever been in trouble with the law. I found Arghavan off a website and decided to hire her as my attorney. I didn't know much about law or how these cases are supposed to go or what would happen to me and she was my saving grace. She was nice, but straight forward and honest, which is what a good attorney should be. She was available to talk to at almost anytime with any questions I had and made the whole process way easier for me. She not only helped me out in court, but gave me lots of advice outside of court on how to improve my case and make the process even easier. I would highly recommend this attorney especially if you were me going through something like this alone. She will help you out the best she is able to while keeping you informed about everything going on with the case. No one wants to be in trouble with the law, but having an attorney like her will make the process easy and hopefully get you out of the system and back into normal society.
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21 May, 2018 by Kathy
After contacting multiple attorneys and meeting with a different attorney, I talked to Arghavan and realized she’s exactly the person I needed to handle my case. Her compassionate yet straight forward approach put my mind at ease. She continues to be a cheerleader and great support to me. I hope at the end of this I could continue to touch base with her and thank her for all she did for me.
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18 May, 2018 by Joseph
Great attorney very knowledgeable understanding responds back to you right away. She is handling my DUI.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Erik gunderson
Jay was wonderful to work with took the time to answer questions I would highly recommend him to anybody interested in estate planning. This law firm went above and beyond.
Thanks Erik
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31 Oct, 2024 by Tim saari
Jay handled my probate problem to my satisfaction in a timely manner and was very fair on his billing. thanks again Tim
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10 Oct, 2024 by Michael johnston
Jay has a remarkable way of making uncomfortable conversations very comfortable. When drafting a document focused on the end of our lives, my wife and I found Jay‘s guidance exceptional.
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23 Jun, 2023 by Mike
I can’t Thank Dave Kramer enough for defending me on my case! My ex falsely accused me of domestic violence and my Kids were my witnesses. Police didn’t want to listen to me, Plus they wouldn’t interview my kids. Worse part My ex attacked me! Police will never really listen to us men! Even though my kids said to the officers my mom was lying! It didn’t matter at all.
Dave Kramer fought for me and told me We will win this and you will get at least 50/50 custody, plus we will get these bogus charges dropped!
I Prayed that I would be Free of these bogus charges and have my boys. At the end of the day, Dave kept his word I have my Boys 50/50 and proved my innocence. Charges Dropped! Thank you Dave!
My Kids Thank you too!
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08 Aug, 2022 by Birann
I'd like to thank Mr. Kramer for all that he's done for me. His guidance and persistence compares to no other. When other lawyers gave up on me, he fought for my case and with a positive outcome I can honestly say I'm grateful to have retained him.
Without a doubt I'd recommend Mr. Kramer to anyone facing legal problems.
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17 May, 2021 by Saravanan
I was charged DUI and was very much worried as a family man. After seeing Kramer’s experience and initial meet with him, I gained confidence but was very nervous until the case disposed. Kramer explained the process well and and given the clear options at every stage. Patience is the only key we should keep throughout the time. He changed my case to Reckless and made sure i am not receiving any other sentencing, he really made it. I would highly recommend him for any criminal charges and he would do wonders.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Tiffany gardella
I highly recommend Elaine Stypula for anyone dealing with a custody battle. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome for me. They navigated the complexities of family law with precision and empathy, gave me a realistic outcome without sugar coating the process. Additionally, she let me break up my retainer in two payments, which made her services accessible during a financially challenging time. Their professionalism and support were exceptional, making a stressful situation much more manageable. Thank you for your outstanding service!
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23 Jan, 2025 by David van damme
Very professional and transparent — and helpful!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Mike johnson
Attorney John R. Tatone provided exceptional service with setting up our Will and Family Trust. His thorough explanation of the details in the paperwork and the importance of promptly preparing these documents put both my wife and I at ease. We have our binder & thumb drive and we are now legally all set! Thanks Attorney Tatone, we appreciate your guidance.
Mike & Arielle Johnson
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25 Feb, 2025 by Karen t
I would not recommend Samantha Heath. I chose Samantha based on her AVVO rating, all of her honors and awards, and years of experience. However, I was extremely disappointed in the representation that I received from her and her team.
I was informed that a divorce without minor children should take 3-5 months and it should be in the $5000-$10,000 range if it doesn't go to trial. Five months after hiring Samantha, not only was I still not divorced, but she had not drafted any settlement proposals or even begun division of assets. When I questioned the timing, she insisted that the divorce was on track and that the timing was very typical.
Samantha had billed me over $8500 while my husband had been billed just under $3000 from his attorney for just about the same number of hours worked on the case. The majority of my husband's work was handled by his lawyer's assistant or paralegal while almost all of the work for my case (with the exception of ½ an hour) was billed at Samantha's rate of $395 including all of the administrative work and her responses to my emails questioning why the divorce is taking so long. I also never received any bill until after the retainer fee was used up and she was billing for more money. She claimed that I was not set up to receive them. I had asked Samantha to revisit her billing rate, but she told me that the fees that I had been billed are appropriate and reflect the complexity of my case and the expertise provided and that her hourly rate is commensurate with her over 30 years of experience in family law.
Communication was also very poor with Samantha and things were very sloppy. She did not explain things very well and in some cases gave conflicting advice which required additional emails for clarification. Forms were received with misspelled information, as well as misinformation. I could go on with other issues, but these are the most significant.
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07 Nov, 2024 by R k
VERY POOR ATTENTION TO POTENTIAL CLIENTS! EVEN THE PHONE PARALEGAL LACKS THE PROFESSIONALISM TO RETAIN POTENTIAL CLIENTS!
FLEE AND RUN RAST!
ATTORNEYS NEED TO UNDERSTAND ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR YOU NEED US THE CLIENT IN ORDER TO STAY IN BUSINESS... IT'S NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!
VERY, VERY POOR ATTENTION!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Devon crowl
Very knowledgeable firm. Staff were amazing to work with and helped us overcome some challenges with our petition. I would recommend Ray and his team to any of my family and friends knowing they will receive quality representation.
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02 Feb, 2022 by Jennifer
Ms. Heath was extremely professional and exceeded my expectations. She fought for all of my rights and I could be more pleased.
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15 Jun, 2021 by Max
Determined pretty quickly was not who I needed after a reasonable review, gave referral, gave some sound advice, let me know areas she might be helpful in the future. At least a good consult.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I was recommended by a colleague who use Symantha in the past. I asked him if he knew a good divorce lawyer and the first and only person he mentioned was Symantha Heath in Novi. After speaking with her I knew immediately she was the one I needed fighting this divorce battle. She super exceeded my expectations. The other side used pit-bull tactics and Symantha had there tails curled up immediately. Any issues I ever have her office will be the one and only office I ever call.
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04 Feb, 2023 by Joshua davidson
Matt is fantastic and the best attorney around. He is firm, fair, and friendly. He has a personal touch and will keep you informed as you go through any legal process. I've had Matt as an attorney and always came away satisfied with the results of court. He goes to bat for you. Never doubted that I would get my driver's license back.
He will work with you on the payment and is very responsible. In some respect, my life wouldn't have turned around if it wasn't for Matt helping me get second and third chances.
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27 Mar, 2021 by Joseph sloan
Absolutely Masterful. Matt is a wonderful no BS guy. Very direct and professional. He really saved me from a great deal of trouble involving a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge. Reduced to a mere traffic ticket. Thank you Matt!
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14 May, 2020 by Kenneth white
I was referred to Matt by a friend! He was professional and honest from the start! Matt walked me through the process and made sure I was prepared for my case. I hired Matt twice and both times I hired Matt it was a victory for us! Matt is very friendly and very detailed and familiar with what needs to be done! I would Highly Recommend Matt to anyone that is looking for a honest down to earth Great Attorney!
Ken
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25 Feb, 2025 by Karen t
I would not recommend Samantha Heath. I chose Samantha based on her AVVO rating, all of her honors and awards, and years of experience. However, I was extremely disappointed in the representation that I received from her and her team.
I was informed that a divorce without minor children should take 3-5 months and it should be in the $5000-$10,000 range if it doesn't go to trial. Five months after hiring Samantha, not only was I still not divorced, but she had not drafted any settlement proposals or even begun division of assets. When I questioned the timing, she insisted that the divorce was on track and that the timing was very typical.
Samantha had billed me over $8500 while my husband had been billed just under $3000 from his attorney for just about the same number of hours worked on the case. The majority of my husband's work was handled by his lawyer's assistant or paralegal while almost all of the work for my case (with the exception of ½ an hour) was billed at Samantha's rate of $395 including all of the administrative work and her responses to my emails questioning why the divorce is taking so long. I also never received any bill until after the retainer fee was used up and she was billing for more money. She claimed that I was not set up to receive them. I had asked Samantha to revisit her billing rate, but she told me that the fees that I had been billed are appropriate and reflect the complexity of my case and the expertise provided and that her hourly rate is commensurate with her over 30 years of experience in family law.
Communication was also very poor with Samantha and things were very sloppy. She did not explain things very well and in some cases gave conflicting advice which required additional emails for clarification. Forms were received with misspelled information, as well as misinformation. I could go on with other issues, but these are the most significant.
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07 Nov, 2024 by R k
VERY POOR ATTENTION TO POTENTIAL CLIENTS! EVEN THE PHONE PARALEGAL LACKS THE PROFESSIONALISM TO RETAIN POTENTIAL CLIENTS!
FLEE AND RUN RAST!
ATTORNEYS NEED TO UNDERSTAND ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR YOU NEED US THE CLIENT IN ORDER TO STAY IN BUSINESS... IT'S NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!
VERY, VERY POOR ATTENTION!
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Devon crowl
Very knowledgeable firm. Staff were amazing to work with and helped us overcome some challenges with our petition. I would recommend Ray and his team to any of my family and friends knowing they will receive quality representation.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Gao stanley
Hayley has been a god send throughout my divorce, straight to the point, and very communicative. The whole process went smoothly and she kept me updated the whole time. Definitely would use her again if needed.
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14 Nov, 2022 by Lori miller
I had an interesting situation from a divorce that happened 15 years ago and Hayley was amazing at solving the problem. She was competent, professional, and responsive. She did research and did the work to correct the issue. I would highly recommend her!
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08 Nov, 2021 by Robert darmanin
Divorce is incredibly stressful, but Hayley made the legal process as seamless and smooth as possible. She is professional, responsive and a terrific communicator. Hayley is a first-class attorney who understands all of the pitfalls of the divorce process and knows how to navigate the legal challenges. By going the collaborative divorce route, we saved money and got through the process relatively quickly. I cannot recommend Custom Divorce Solutions enough.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Tiffany gardella
I highly recommend Elaine Stypula for anyone dealing with a custody battle. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome for me. They navigated the complexities of family law with precision and empathy, gave me a realistic outcome without sugar coating the process. Additionally, she let me break up my retainer in two payments, which made her services accessible during a financially challenging time. Their professionalism and support were exceptional, making a stressful situation much more manageable. Thank you for your outstanding service!
Read more
23 Jan, 2025 by David van damme
Very professional and transparent — and helpful!
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15 Jan, 2025 by Mike johnson
Attorney John R. Tatone provided exceptional service with setting up our Will and Family Trust. His thorough explanation of the details in the paperwork and the importance of promptly preparing these documents put both my wife and I at ease. We have our binder & thumb drive and we are now legally all set! Thanks Attorney Tatone, we appreciate your guidance.
Mike & Arielle Johnson
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04 Feb, 2023 by Joshua davidson
Matt is fantastic and the best attorney around. He is firm, fair, and friendly. He has a personal touch and will keep you informed as you go through any legal process. I've had Matt as an attorney and always came away satisfied with the results of court. He goes to bat for you. Never doubted that I would get my driver's license back.
He will work with you on the payment and is very responsible. In some respect, my life wouldn't have turned around if it wasn't for Matt helping me get second and third chances.
Read more
27 Mar, 2021 by Joseph sloan
Absolutely Masterful. Matt is a wonderful no BS guy. Very direct and professional. He really saved me from a great deal of trouble involving a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge. Reduced to a mere traffic ticket. Thank you Matt!
Read more
14 May, 2020 by Kenneth white
I was referred to Matt by a friend! He was professional and honest from the start! Matt walked me through the process and made sure I was prepared for my case. I hired Matt twice and both times I hired Matt it was a victory for us! Matt is very friendly and very detailed and familiar with what needs to be done! I would Highly Recommend Matt to anyone that is looking for a honest down to earth Great Attorney!
Ken
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4.0
4 Reviews
4.3
16 Reviews
29 Dec, 2024 by June
This woman ruined my case and I lost custody of my son because she rushed me to sign something I should never had signed while working giving me 10 minutes to decide my future with my son. She then stole my deposit making up ridiculous fees like 115 for signing a paper. Her communication is horribleand 2 other attorneys have now told me they know she's awful and my new attorney has had to clean up a disaster of what she's made of my case. She literally made 0 effort to genuinely help me. Stay away.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Travis bue
Great experience soo far. Can't wait to move forward.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Nargiz n
As a colleague, I have seen Ms. Terrasi provide exceptional service to her clients. She’s professional, talented, tenacious and highly efficient. She works hard for her clients, and always has their best interest in mind.
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03 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Strait talk, with results to back it up! Excellent court knowledge, and was confident he could get the job done right - and he did! John Bain will give you the strength that you need to get through a compromising situation and have the outcome be the best it can be!
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12 Apr, 2013 by Rich
I 've used this family owned firm for many different reasons and have always surpassed my expectation every time.Would feel very confidant in using them anytime when needed.
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09 Mar, 2023 by Gao stanley
Hayley has been a god send throughout my divorce, straight to the point, and very communicative. The whole process went smoothly and she kept me updated the whole time. Definitely would use her again if needed.
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14 Nov, 2022 by Lori miller
I had an interesting situation from a divorce that happened 15 years ago and Hayley was amazing at solving the problem. She was competent, professional, and responsive. She did research and did the work to correct the issue. I would highly recommend her!
Read more
08 Nov, 2021 by Robert darmanin
Divorce is incredibly stressful, but Hayley made the legal process as seamless and smooth as possible. She is professional, responsive and a terrific communicator. Hayley is a first-class attorney who understands all of the pitfalls of the divorce process and knows how to navigate the legal challenges. By going the collaborative divorce route, we saved money and got through the process relatively quickly. I cannot recommend Custom Divorce Solutions enough.
Read more
09 Mar, 2023 by Gao stanley
Hayley has been a god send throughout my divorce, straight to the point, and very communicative. The whole process went smoothly and she kept me updated the whole time. Definitely would use her again if needed.
Read more
14 Nov, 2022 by Lori miller
I had an interesting situation from a divorce that happened 15 years ago and Hayley was amazing at solving the problem. She was competent, professional, and responsive. She did research and did the work to correct the issue. I would highly recommend her!
Read more
08 Nov, 2021 by Robert darmanin
Divorce is incredibly stressful, but Hayley made the legal process as seamless and smooth as possible. She is professional, responsive and a terrific communicator. Hayley is a first-class attorney who understands all of the pitfalls of the divorce process and knows how to navigate the legal challenges. By going the collaborative divorce route, we saved money and got through the process relatively quickly. I cannot recommend Custom Divorce Solutions enough.
Read more
27 Feb, 2025 by Volnette mcleod
Michael and his staff are absolutely wonderful. He responded properly to my emails and even had a great personality while doing it.
I had many questions and he patiently answered them all anytime I would reach out to him.
I would definitely recommend them to anyone seeking legal representation. They are an awesome firm and everything was smooth sailing.
I received my settlement check in the mail yesterday, as promised. I’ve since cashed it and it’s already gone lolz but it was a great and easy process and I’m very grateful for the help.
Thank you all.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Jenny nguyen
Working with this Firm has been nothing but Professional and Outstanding!
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27 Feb, 2025 by Teula tetreault
Professional Updates in the process went above and beyond Thank you so much !
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25 Feb, 2025 by Karen t
I would not recommend Samantha Heath. I chose Samantha based on her AVVO rating, all of her honors and awards, and years of experience. However, I was extremely disappointed in the representation that I received from her and her team.
I was informed that a divorce without minor children should take 3-5 months and it should be in the $5000-$10,000 range if it doesn't go to trial. Five months after hiring Samantha, not only was I still not divorced, but she had not drafted any settlement proposals or even begun division of assets. When I questioned the timing, she insisted that the divorce was on track and that the timing was very typical.
Samantha had billed me over $8500 while my husband had been billed just under $3000 from his attorney for just about the same number of hours worked on the case. The majority of my husband's work was handled by his lawyer's assistant or paralegal while almost all of the work for my case (with the exception of ½ an hour) was billed at Samantha's rate of $395 including all of the administrative work and her responses to my emails questioning why the divorce is taking so long. I also never received any bill until after the retainer fee was used up and she was billing for more money. She claimed that I was not set up to receive them. I had asked Samantha to revisit her billing rate, but she told me that the fees that I had been billed are appropriate and reflect the complexity of my case and the expertise provided and that her hourly rate is commensurate with her over 30 years of experience in family law.
Communication was also very poor with Samantha and things were very sloppy. She did not explain things very well and in some cases gave conflicting advice which required additional emails for clarification. Forms were received with misspelled information, as well as misinformation. I could go on with other issues, but these are the most significant.
Read more
07 Nov, 2024 by R k
VERY POOR ATTENTION TO POTENTIAL CLIENTS! EVEN THE PHONE PARALEGAL LACKS THE PROFESSIONALISM TO RETAIN POTENTIAL CLIENTS!
FLEE AND RUN RAST!
ATTORNEYS NEED TO UNDERSTAND ONE COMMON DENOMINATOR YOU NEED US THE CLIENT IN ORDER TO STAY IN BUSINESS... IT'S NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!
VERY, VERY POOR ATTENTION!
Read more
08 Oct, 2024 by Devon crowl
Very knowledgeable firm. Staff were amazing to work with and helped us overcome some challenges with our petition. I would recommend Ray and his team to any of my family and friends knowing they will receive quality representation.
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26 Dec, 2024 by Namir george
11 Dec, 2024 by Maria torres
If you ever need a Divorce Lawyer Andre' F Mays is the person to contact. He cares about his clients you might not think that he is listening, but he's listening to every little detail. He's wonderful at what he does.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Kathy brotchner
Our experience with Sumner and Assoc. was very easy. Everyone was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
NOT RECOMMENDED. DOES NOT NEED TO BE IN PRACTICE ANYMORE.
Never on time for court, shows up an hour + late every time. Is never prepared. Charges thousands of dollars and does nothing. Never answers calls or texts until the morning of court. Has excuse after excuse for his lack of action on the case. I’ve done everything for myself and even prepared all my own paperwork and documents because Mr. Barker acts like he’s some big shot lawyer who has such a high dismissal rate and is worth $5000+ for a misdemeanor case then charges the same for a felony case? Makes no sense.
Embarrassing. He obviously doesn’t realize his brain has gone to the state of early dementia or drug/alcohol abuse. Who knows.
I’ve never been so disappointed in a paid lawyer. I’d have been better off with a court appointed attorney at this point, at least I expect them to not do their jobs.
DONT HIRE HIM!
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22 Mar, 2024 by Valerie
I always hire a different lawyer at first and then end up with steve. He listens and cares about you .He is not lazy and will make sure you get the best outcome !
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20 Apr, 2021 by Nidal
Very considering and positive and loyal , smart and strait forward answers your request , returns your call
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26 Dec, 2024 by Namir george
11 Dec, 2024 by Maria torres
If you ever need a Divorce Lawyer Andre' F Mays is the person to contact. He cares about his clients you might not think that he is listening, but he's listening to every little detail. He's wonderful at what he does.
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10 Dec, 2024 by Kathy brotchner
Our experience with Sumner and Assoc. was very easy. Everyone was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Natalie parris
I was extremely impressed with David Kramers expertise and professionalism. He is a good advocate to get the job done! He is very responsive and always answers calls and updates quickly.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Ashlauren
NOT RECOMMENDED. DOES NOT NEED TO BE IN PRACTICE ANYMORE.
Never on time for court, shows up an hour + late every time. Is never prepared. Charges thousands of dollars and does nothing. Never answers calls or texts until the morning of court. Has excuse after excuse for his lack of action on the case. I've done everything for myself and even prepared all my own paperwork and documents because Mr. Barker acts like he's some big shot lawyer who has such a high dismissal rate and is worth $5000+ for a misdemeanor case then charges the same for a felony case? Makes no sense.
Embarrassing. He obviously doesn't realize his brain has gone to the state of early dementia or drug/alcohol abuse. Who knows.
I've never been so disappointed in a paid lawyer. I'd have been better off with a court appointed attorney at this point, at least I expect them to not do their jobs.
DONT HIRE HIM!
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28 Jun, 2024 by Jason trew
Horrible. 6 months after paying him $3k he has DONE NOTHING in my case despite claims of filing appearances and other motions. I GOT SCAMMED
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24 Aug, 2021 by Jennifer f
Much gratitude to Susan for guiding me through a very sensitive and complex child custody situation. She consistently provided guidance that promoted what was best for my child, while putting me at ease during the process. Susan saved me money, time, and heartache. I appreciate her hard work and dedication to my unique case. Thank you Susan!
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23 Aug, 2021 by Patricia
Excellent and knowledgeable lawyer that will get things done. Very timely on requests. I would highly recommend and use her services again as needed. Thank you Susan and your team for all your help and support.
Sincerely,
Patricia S
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23 Aug, 2021 by Reuben
Susan is the best and efficient lawyer I could have ever asked for. I live out of state but I am from Michigan, and it was so easy to communicate with her through phone, email and zoom. She helped me get out of a divorce easily even though Covid made some setbacks. Being in the Military sometimes can make things difficult when trying to get divorced but Susan helped and came up with a game plan right away that fit my work schedule as well. Her legal assistant Brittany also is a great part of her team that helped answer questions along the way.
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09 May, 2024 by Gina
Not happy at all.
On 02/07/24 Met with Julia Perkins for a "consultation". We were asked to send in current custody/post divorce summary paperwork for review prior to this consultation. The consultation was not free, they charge a WHOPPING $510 per hour! We met with Julie for 90 minutes, and then she proceeded to say she needed to be paid for the ~30 minutes that their office took to review our paperwork. This was never disclosed and awkwardly put us on the spot. The consultation did not lead to us hiring her as she said the GAL on our case she was actually at ODDS with, and just tried to *unsuccessfully* remove her from a different case she had. It was a pure waste of $1,000+ and a real strong arm tactic to have us pay 2 hours instead of 1.5 hours.
As if that wasn't bad enough, her parent company VARNUM, ran two charges on our credit card. One for the $1,020 that we reluctantly agreed to, AND they popped us with a 2nd charge of 3% credit card processing fee, that we never agreed to nor we were ever made aware of.
We received their receipts on 03/15/24 and contacted her office on 03/22/24 and asked for this erroneous charge to be removed. On 03/23/24 we received a direct response from Julia with her assistant cc'd stating that they would send us a check back as a refund.
As of 04/12/24 we had not received the promised refund and sent an email back to Julia as well as a cc to her assistant. Both chose to not respond.
As of 05/09/24, we have now had to take the time to proceed with a credit card dispute, because they can't be bothered to refund they extra charge they did.
In general, the meeting was par at best. It seemed like Julia wanted to make arguments on behalf of the Ex, and we didn't clique well with her. With other competent attorneys that we've dealt with that at the high end are ranged from $275-400 per hour, I have no idea how she or Varnum keeps clients. There was no sort of wow factor that showed us we'd be getting any bang for our buck. Sadly, I would not recommend.
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04 Feb, 2023 by Joshua davidson
Matt is fantastic and the best attorney around. He is firm, fair, and friendly. He has a personal touch and will keep you informed as you go through any legal process. I've had Matt as an attorney and always came away satisfied with the results of court. He goes to bat for you. Never doubted that I would get my driver's license back.
He will work with you on the payment and is very responsible. In some respect, my life wouldn't have turned around if it wasn't for Matt helping me get second and third chances.
Read more
27 Mar, 2021 by Joseph sloan
Absolutely Masterful. Matt is a wonderful no BS guy. Very direct and professional. He really saved me from a great deal of trouble involving a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge. Reduced to a mere traffic ticket. Thank you Matt!
Read more
04 Nov, 2023 by Rae louis
Attorney Saif Kasmikha, JD MBA, is one of the best Attorneys you can find in America. Saif puts his heart into every case, litigates every matter with confidence and to conclusion, and is a valuable and staunch advocate. With a JD and MBA in healthcare law and business, Saif is among the nation's foremost experts in healthcare law, administration, services, and regulations. Saif is also an expert in business transactions and is a trusted litigator should matters proceed to court. I highly recommend this Attorney.
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11 Jul, 2023 by Deceased
15 Sep, 2017 by Steve frankiewicz
Ted is great. Treats you like family.
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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:
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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.
