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25 Aug, 2024 by Brandon gramse
Deven took over my divorce case and was able to get it closed in no time! He set the right expectations and delivered as promised, without any additional unexpected fees. He's easy to talk to - is very personable. I'll definitely hire him for my next divorce! 😜
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15 Jun, 2024 by Natalie davidson
Wadsworth ZERO follow through but keeps charging more and more. He was NOT strategic and attempted multiple routes at once rather than being goal oriented and completing one endeavor before the next.
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22 Apr, 2024 by Pamela hansen
24 Nov, 2024 by Brooke
Where to even start, Benjamin Larson is your guy if you’re looking for a bulldog who is aggressive, knowledgeable, honest and fights hard for your rights. He gets the work done, he isn’t someone who talks himself up, but he is someone who will be completely honest on what he can do. My case was up against another extremely hard attorney, and Ben made it look so easy. He fought for me, he heard me out, he didn’t take no crap. Ben had a strategy and ultimately it won my case. Finding a honest attorney is never easy, finding someone you can trust with all you have is rare, BUT Ben was an easy YES. If you need an attorney for custody look no where else, you will NOT be disappointed. Also, not to mention his whole team, Lynn & Julie- AMAZING work they do, the stories, cries and worries they have to take on, they did it with grace and compassion. A DEEPEST HEART FELT THANKS TO BENJAMIN LARSON, LYNN & JULIE for all your amazing work!!!! - Brooke Buehler
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18 Nov, 2024 by George hall
I have had an enjoyable time working with Kris Kaufman recently. In addition to being a great attorney, I find him be thoughtful, considerate and timely. I highly recommend Kris and firm.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Alisa barnard
Dylan Benson is spectacular ✨️ He goes above and beyond and really fights for his clients. I don't know what I would have done without his help. He is definitely worth every penny!!
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13 Nov, 2024 by Luis amaya
Kimberly was amazing to work with! The process was made easy on my end thanks to her. I would recommend her to anyone. Thank you so much!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Rick ashton
Scott and his staff are phenomenal to work with, very caring and professional and extremely knowledgeable I wish there was a 10 star rating to give.
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12 Feb, 2024 by Brittany hartman
She was very helpful and explained everything well! Also she had the best prices around!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Trinity meyerhoffer
21 Aug, 2024 by Tenille duessler
Such a great experience
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21 Aug, 2024 by Tabby andersen
31 Dec, 2023 by Robert steuer
18 Dec, 2023 by Dungeondave9500
My mother has used Scott for a long time and never had much of an issue, HOWEVER...I retained him in January of 2023 for a child protective order I had filed on behalf of my son against my ex, and in court, despite the overwhelming evidence, he more or less just sat there and did nothing which allowed my ex to get it dismissed. Fast forward to now (December 2023) and I have filed to gain full custody of my son, called Scott again more due to history to see if he'd be willing to take the case, said he would but we'd need to get the hearing date changed due to him not being available that day, ok that's fine, we also had a verbal agreement between us directly that he was willing to wait on payment for retainer so we could get the money, but he would start on everything right away, upon attempting 3 DIFFERENT TIMES to come in and sign the retention paperwork, I was turned away by paralegals that "needed to talk to him first" about what? I made the agreement with him, not with a paralegal. Finally was able to come in to sign the papers, but I was told by Josie that he "needed everything up front first" 100% contrary to what we agreed to, and that "HE was the one who said it" yet refused to ask him with me standing there to confirm, as he came out of his office and saw me sitting there, and to this day still have not gotten a return email or phone call to confirm or deny any of this
Like others have said, if you want to not be jerked around by this firm, then don't bother even talking to them, and they've missed out on a retainer and a guaranteed case win that would bolster their reputation
Oh well 🤷♂️
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16 Sep, 2023 by Don andrus
09 Aug, 2024 by Dominique reviea
I did a lot of research and calls while searching for a lawyer. Once I spoke with Isaac, I knew he was going to be the one I hired. He was immediately interested in my case and asked all the questions the other lawyers didn't. He truly made me feel like he cared about my situation and his goal was for things to end in my best interest. It was a long process, but he and Kellie kept me updated as much as they could. Isaac was knowledgeable and efficient, he did everything he could to provide me the best service at the best cost. 10/10 recommend and I would hire him again in a heartbeat.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Darrin france
Issac and his staff are very attentive to detail. The expertise in the office makes the law process easy to understand. Definitely put this law firm in your contacts.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Karlous moran
Great customer service, very professional and helpful! Will definitely be using their services in the future.
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21 Jul, 2022 by Cameron looney
27 Apr, 2022 by Wendy driggers
Awesome lawyer
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28 Dec, 2021 by Rachel mata
31 Dec, 2023 by Robert steuer
18 Dec, 2023 by Dungeondave9500
My mother has used Scott for a long time and never had much of an issue, HOWEVER...I retained him in January of 2023 for a child protective order I had filed on behalf of my son against my ex, and in court, despite the overwhelming evidence, he more or less just sat there and did nothing which allowed my ex to get it dismissed. Fast forward to now (December 2023) and I have filed to gain full custody of my son, called Scott again more due to history to see if he'd be willing to take the case, said he would but we'd need to get the hearing date changed due to him not being available that day, ok that's fine, we also had a verbal agreement between us directly that he was willing to wait on payment for retainer so we could get the money, but he would start on everything right away, upon attempting 3 DIFFERENT TIMES to come in and sign the retention paperwork, I was turned away by paralegals that "needed to talk to him first" about what? I made the agreement with him, not with a paralegal. Finally was able to come in to sign the papers, but I was told by Josie that he "needed everything up front first" 100% contrary to what we agreed to, and that "HE was the one who said it" yet refused to ask him with me standing there to confirm, as he came out of his office and saw me sitting there, and to this day still have not gotten a return email or phone call to confirm or deny any of this
Like others have said, if you want to not be jerked around by this firm, then don't bother even talking to them, and they've missed out on a retainer and a guaranteed case win that would bolster their reputation
Oh well 🤷♂️
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02 Nov, 2023 by David
A prosecutor lied, and Scott spent less than 5 minutes to find the info proving I wasn't present to receive the document the prosecutor claimed.
Instant success.
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15 Dec, 2022 by Sydnie barnes
Answered all my questions and assisted my husband and me in our case. We felt very well taken care of. The office staff was also excellent.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Phillip
he took my money, never provided the work, and refused to give me back my $2500.00 retainer
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29 Mar, 2018 by Nancy
Going through bankruptcy is very stressful. Jaime has made the process less so. When I have had questions, he has been right there to answer and provide information. He is very supportive and makes me feel my issues are top priority. Highly recommended.
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16 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
She is a good honest person but she is an unavailable attorney. She doesn't dedicate any time to her Law Practice (run by herself and one other person). Michelle was impossible to reach, she often would be unavailable for a week at a time if not longer. Rarely answered emails or phone calls, her work ethic just isn't there. Unresponsive to myself and to the opposing council and others involved in my case. I almost missed a hearing (amoung other things) due to her only working one day a week. Hiring an attorney is so stressful and Michelle will only add to that stress, if your looking for an attorney that will work and help your case progress please look elsewhere. I don't ever want anyone else to go through the stress of working with an attorney who is never present.
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02 Nov, 2016 by Larry
Michelle was able to write into the adoption agreement of my grandson that I, as the grandfather, would continue to be part of my grandsons life even though he had no further contact with his natural parents.
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30 Oct, 2016 by Lisa and bob
Michelle Sullivan did a great job helping us through the process of getting US citizenship for our daughter who we adopted in Guatemala. She made a seemingly complicated process very easy for us. She was very kind and personable as well as competent and knowledgeable. We highly recommend her!
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12 Jul, 2024 by Tryston thomas
Do not hire this law firm. You wont get the lawyer you paid for and signed agreements with, you wont get the attention you deserve, and you will have to do most of the job for them. Hire anyone els. Jaimie richards is a liar and huge waste of money as is Kevin. They don't do the work they are paid to do. They do not listen to their clients nor do they fight for the clients best interest. Kevin is lazy and refuses to do the work he is hired and has a very hard time separating his personal life from his work duties on top of lying to clients that have paid for his services. If you care about your case at all hire literally anyone els other than this firm. As u can see from the responses to reviews. They are full of excuses. Almost 3yrs deep into a divorce case with Jaimie and nothing has been accomplished. Do not hire the richards. Lazy and liars
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11 Jul, 2024 by Aleyna mitchell
If I could leave 0 stars I would! Kevin is unprofessional. I have reported him to the Utah state bar. He doesn’t communicate, he didn’t inform me of anything going on with my case, he’s old and constantly missing court to deal with heart issues and physical therapy, he never sent me any links to appear in court which resulted in me missing my court date and getting a warrant issued. I didn’t have the money or resources for a lawyer someone else found this person and paid him to represent me. Unfortunately he did not represent me at all! So please if you can find another lawyer that actually cares about your case go somewhere else. I’ve reported Kevin and based on reviews so have other people. Hopefully that’s enough to get him removed.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Moshood olowu
Do not waste your money with this law firm. They have been uncommunicative and have actively not done anything to resolve my case. I had to get new counsel to get my case moving again.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Alex house
Jon Felt has handled my ongoing case with professionalism and human kindness, and has been so reassuring to me in a difficult time. The stress he has mitigated for me has been wonderful for my mental health, and I'd absolutely trust and recommend him in the future.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Yackeline zerpa
07 Nov, 2024 by Mikkol richins
My husband and I were referred to Chad through my husband’s insurance for will preparation. After 5 minutes of being in his office we ended up walking out because he was so unprofessional, uninterested in helping us, and belittling.
I would highly recommend finding a different attorney for any legal service. As many other reviews note, he seems to normally conduct business in this rude and unprofessional manner.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Shellie
Quick responses for our legal needs and very competent knowledgeable legal advice.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Shawn strong
22 Dec, 2023 by Cody larsen
David and Tamara are excellent to work with. They helped my wife and I set up a trust and series llc. Very knowledgeable, very patient and David breaks everything down in an easily digestible format.
Tamara really helps keep the flow going, and makes changes instantly to any documents or items thst need to be revised while still fresh in everyone's mind.
I would highly recommend David, and with Tamara assisting, this team is unstoppable!!
Thanks again for all of the hard work and effort you both put in, it was noticed and appreciated.
Cody & JoAnna
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13 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
My case had to do with custody of my child. Michael did not represent me well in court or I should say almost not at all. Me and Studebaker had conversations about things the other party was trying to use against me and he was supposed to look into some things to get it dismissed because it was incorrect. He completely forgot about these conversations we had, and in court when the matter was brought up he looked at me and asked “is that true”. Very unprofessional when we had a couple conversations about it. When I tried speaking to him to have him bring up certain points he pretty much shushed me and I looked ridiculous while the other party got his way. I left the court so in shock and in tears because I did not deserve that treatment especially since I had to pull money out of my butt for this help that I did not get. When trying to reach out to studebaker for a week to go over my concerns, he would not even give me the time of day unless I was on his schedule and he was charging me by the minute. So I never even got to voice my concerns to him because he did not care. I would not recommend him for custody. He just showed up for the money and didn’t pay attention to the clients needs and facts AT ALL and certainly did not remember them. I am a great mother who had financially provided while the other party got away with not financially providing for 4 1/2 years. I have always worked and I deserved much better than that.
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19 Feb, 2022 by Nichole “bunk dawg” hernandez
Johnathan Pace is a joke. There is nothing ethical about his representation. He is not there th defend you or your rights. Especially in juvenile court. He is not understanding. He is not there for anything other than to get paid. He should have been disbarred a long time ago.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Haydee jacome
Jonathan Pace has been the only lawyer, open-minded enough to hear me, allow me to express myself and is a true advocate for his clients. His legal assistant MB is articulate, thorough and accurate. I never thought I would say I love a law practice, but I do love this one. They are amazing!!!
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01 Sep, 2023 by Brooklyn
I can't say enough good things about Brenda and her assistant Amy. I first met with Brenda when I was still in shock after my ex-husband left our family via text for his mistress. I interviewed several attorneys and immediately felt the most comfortable with Brenda. While I wasn't ready to file at that time, I was so grateful for her support and advice. A couple months later I did file for divorce and I couldn't have asked for better service. She is an excellent communicator and advocate. She answered questions/emails quickly and billing was transparent. She always made sure I was well prepared and understood every step of the process and exactly what to expect. I felt overwhelmed at some points, but always knew what I needed to do next. She helped me achieve the best possible outcome for myself and my kids. She also provided excellent advice when I needed the help of our local police department to stop my husband's girlfriend's harassment of me and my son. Truly she was part legal counsel and part counselor. I never thought I would find myself going through a divorce, but I couldn't have been in better hands. Don't hesitate to hire Brenda!
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21 Apr, 2022 by Amy
I hired Brenda for a post divorce case and could not have been happier with the outcome. She was extremely knowledgeable and professional throughout the case. Brenda is a very smart and competent lawyer and I would recommend her to anyone seeking legal services.
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22 Sep, 2020 by Kelly
I originally hired a divorce attorney out of Salt Lake City where I live. He seemed smart and I figured he was similar to most attorneys and would do a great job. Long story short, I fired him. He was not a good advocate, a very poor communicator and I was being taken. A friend of mine recommended Brenda Beaton, she is based out of Ogden, but well worth the drive. However, I needed a "great" attorney, so I interviewed and hired her that day. Brenda is a take charge attorney. She is intelligent, knows the law, and fought hard for me. She communicated everything she was doing and would always reply if I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend hiring Brenda.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Vicki garcia
Scott Hansen was a great attorney in my husband custody battle. My husband ended up getting what was fair.
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09 May, 2022 by Spencer sorensen
Scott is very attentive to the needs of your children and will go to bat for them. If you want someone who will put the time and effort in look no further than Scott hansen.
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12 Apr, 2022 by Jeff
Jonathan is a great attorney for our company he does all of our evictions for multiple manufactured home parks.. very reliable for a fair cost.. also has done some work for me personally very pleased .. I highly recommend him for others.
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03 Jan, 2025 by Alex house
Jon Felt has handled my ongoing case with professionalism and human kindness, and has been so reassuring to me in a difficult time. The stress he has mitigated for me has been wonderful for my mental health, and I'd absolutely trust and recommend him in the future.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Yackeline zerpa
07 Nov, 2024 by Mikkol richins
My husband and I were referred to Chad through my husband’s insurance for will preparation. After 5 minutes of being in his office we ended up walking out because he was so unprofessional, uninterested in helping us, and belittling.
I would highly recommend finding a different attorney for any legal service. As many other reviews note, he seems to normally conduct business in this rude and unprofessional manner.
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19 Feb, 2022 by Nichole “bunk dawg” hernandez
Johnathan Pace is a joke. There is nothing ethical about his representation. He is not there th defend you or your rights. Especially in juvenile court. He is not understanding. He is not there for anything other than to get paid. He should have been disbarred a long time ago.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Haydee jacome
Jonathan Pace has been the only lawyer, open-minded enough to hear me, allow me to express myself and is a true advocate for his clients. His legal assistant MB is articulate, thorough and accurate. I never thought I would say I love a law practice, but I do love this one. They are amazing!!!
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05 Mar, 2019 by Tinker collins
12 Jul, 2024 by Tryston thomas
Do not hire this law firm. You wont get the lawyer you paid for and signed agreements with, you wont get the attention you deserve, and you will have to do most of the job for them. Hire anyone els. Jaimie richards is a liar and huge waste of money as is Kevin. They don't do the work they are paid to do. They do not listen to their clients nor do they fight for the clients best interest. Kevin is lazy and refuses to do the work he is hired and has a very hard time separating his personal life from his work duties on top of lying to clients that have paid for his services. If you care about your case at all hire literally anyone els other than this firm. As u can see from the responses to reviews. They are full of excuses. Almost 3yrs deep into a divorce case with Jaimie and nothing has been accomplished. Do not hire the richards. Lazy and liars
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11 Jul, 2024 by Aleyna mitchell
If I could leave 0 stars I would! Kevin is unprofessional. I have reported him to the Utah state bar. He doesn’t communicate, he didn’t inform me of anything going on with my case, he’s old and constantly missing court to deal with heart issues and physical therapy, he never sent me any links to appear in court which resulted in me missing my court date and getting a warrant issued. I didn’t have the money or resources for a lawyer someone else found this person and paid him to represent me. Unfortunately he did not represent me at all! So please if you can find another lawyer that actually cares about your case go somewhere else. I’ve reported Kevin and based on reviews so have other people. Hopefully that’s enough to get him removed.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Moshood olowu
Do not waste your money with this law firm. They have been uncommunicative and have actively not done anything to resolve my case. I had to get new counsel to get my case moving again.
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02 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Sage law should not have an attorney Like Charles Ahlstrom. Violates all ethics rules. Constantly lies to clients. Takes things personal and has no principles and clear path when dealing with cases. Also wearing a bow tie to hearings is unprofessional!
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11 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Negotiating the family court system is something i never wanted to do. I can’t imagine anyone being prepared for such a gut wrenching experience. With that being said Charles Ahlstrom helped me through the process and guided me to put my best foot forward at every step. I would recommend Charles to anyone needing a great lawyer to help through such a painful time. Charles was always upfront with me on my position. My situation turned out good and that’s pretty great considering it was divorce and custody case. I was very grateful to have Charles with me through the courts Charles and Kellie make a great team and work together to supply answers and put some of the tension at ease. I sympathize with anyone going through family courts but it’s important to be going in with someone you can trust.
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26 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Our case was given to Mr. Ahlstrom when our previous lawyer passed & this turned out to be the biggest mistake of our lives!! He called us 3 days before our court date & asked why we hadn't sent him a response to the documents that he sent us regarding the upcoming court date....we didn't received said documents until after he called us asking why we hadn't responded to them. The stack of documents he sent us (3 days before court) were as thick as an Ogden phone book & then he said that he needed us to write a response to this stack of documents by the next morning so that he could file it with the court in time! My wife sat up until 4am writing our response to said documents & sent our response to Charles. We were then charged several hundred dollars for his paralegal to type our response verbatim what my wife had written!! We ultimately lost custody & thousands of dollars to Mr. Ahlstrom...who literally did nothing he said he was going to do!! Worst experience with a lawyer ever!
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19 Feb, 2022 by Nichole “bunk dawg” hernandez
Johnathan Pace is a joke. There is nothing ethical about his representation. He is not there th defend you or your rights. Especially in juvenile court. He is not understanding. He is not there for anything other than to get paid. He should have been disbarred a long time ago.
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20 Apr, 2020 by Mandie
Jonathan handled my divorce case and I felt he did a wonderful job. He answered my questions and met with me when needed. He was kind and supportive and even spoke with my now ex husband. He discussed with him the terms of our agreement and we were able to settle thanks to Jonathan. He was great in my opinion! Through a hard time in my life he helped me.
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03 Mar, 2020 by Haydee jacome
Jonathan Pace has been the only lawyer, open-minded enough to hear me, allow me to express myself and is a true advocate for his clients. His legal assistant MB is articulate, thorough and accurate. I never thought I would say I love a law practice, but I do love this one. They are amazing!!!
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03 May, 2023 by Nicole
This guy is a grade A a**hole who clearly hates his life and is happy taking it out on his clients. Not sure how he keeps business. Got angry with me because I needed him to explain the law in regards to my case. He hung up on me. Lastly, his receptionist is incompetent.
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29 Jun, 2021 by Wendy bizarro
I went to this lawyer for some custody issues that I esa having with no ex husband, from my first cunsultation, it didn’t seem like he care about my case, what he esa more excited es stalkear about his fees, We went infringe of the judge and this lawyer esa not reas y for my case, he didnt know what to say because he had to look on my file in front of the jugde to see what to say, it was really embarrasing. My ex husband went to court with no lawyer and he was able to represent himself a los better than the representation I got with a lawyer. I Worked so hard to give him good evidence with police records, and my son therapist records, but since he didn’t took the time to review my case before court all my evidence was useless.
The second time we had to go to court, Mckay was late an hour, because he went to the Ogden Court instead of Farmington, He was not prepare as usual, and he tried to charged me $350 for that hour he was late. I golf his assistan that I was not going to pay for his musítale, on top of me having to wait for him, he talked to Mckay and they waived that fee.
The level of unprofessional from this so called Lawyer is unbelievable, he only care about your money and not your case.
When you look for a lawyer you want someone that is going to be on your side and someone you can trust… trust me you are not going to find that here. Do your research before you give this man your trust and money.
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28 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. McKay was very thorough and took the time to review all the paperwork dealing with our issue. He was willing to use his legal knowledge to go above and beyond to deal with our problem and keep a level and legal head to get a resolution that was above what we had expected. We were happy that this was handled professionally and knew the law to get fair compensation for our family.
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09 Nov, 2020 by Mary
Ryan did not do his homework about how to deal with DOPL. Ryan accepted payment to represent me in a case, then he did not follow any of their requirements to defend me. Advised me I did not need to go to a meeting with the board of nursing. I ended up without a job and a suspended license. He grossed his flat fee of 2500 dollars. I trusted him.
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11 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I was charged criminally in Farmington. Ryan took the time to go through the evidence and even sent out requests for more evidence to see if the case could be argued from a different angle. I could tell that the prosecutors respected him and listened to what he had to say. Also, the Judge listened to Mr. Bushell and considered his arguments. I have been in court before and it seems that court is where Mr. Bushell excels. I would recommend him to family and friends. He was worth the money.
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15 Oct, 2024 by Emma thomas
Kim has been my lawyer for several years. He is kind compassionate and does what is best for his clients.
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20 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
A despicable excuse for an attorney. Very non-professional. Has been disbarred for stealing over 100K of his clients' money. Still steals his clients money with all the unnecessary documents he tricks his clients into filing to prolong the case by several months, even years. Lies and files false documentation. Should be disbarred again!!!
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27 Apr, 2022 by Hilaree
We contacted her to possibly represent a divorce case with domestic abuse and who had left with the children. Without even hearing all the details she told a domestic abuse victim that she would lose her home and her children if she didn't go home. She was so aggressive and basically sided with the abuser. It took two days of reassuring a severely traumatized mother that she wasn't going to lose her children and she did not have to go back to the abuser. If I could give her negative stars, I would.
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16 Jun, 2021 by Stacy
She does not listen. She is not timely in responses. She falsely represented her degree of what she would do. She takes your money and does not deliver. When given feedback of expectation of what she said she would do for me she quit. I trusted her words and paid her money which she took gladly and then never delivered. And then had the nerve to charge me more money for her not following through and her quitting. She bad mouthed other attorney to get my business and then did the exact same thing she said the other attorney did wrong. Very untrustworthy. She is a terrible attorney. Stay away she is not worth the money.
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01 Jun, 2018 by Bianca
Lorraine has been my attorney for many years and fought diligently, empathetically, and professionally for myself and my children. She was personally invested in the outcome that was best for my children and always insured every attention to detail was intact. I had an attorney prior to Lorraine and went to court several times to protect my children with that attorney to no avail. The first time and every time there after that I went to court with Lorraine we prevailed and my children were protected. Lorraine will always be in my heart as she saved my children's lives. How many people play that part in your life? She's my hero and an incredible source of comfort knowing if anything comes up again, she's on my side. Thank you Lorraine always and forever for everything you've done for me and my children!
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18 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
If you are involved in a DCFS case and this lady has been assigned as your public defender ... RUN! Ask for a new PD immediately. She told me and several other people I have talked with , not to take their cases to trial because " It will only make the judge mad." In my case this has resulted in a 2 year torture by DCFS and the family courts.
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
