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28 Aug, 2024 by Joan tucker
I have to share how wonderful this firm is
Annie Allan and Lawyer Sami .
They have made buying a home easy with their experience. I’m a new Widow and needed help with all that goes into legal matters .
They completely took care of everything.
I’m in my home and super Happy 😃
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22 Aug, 2024 by Laith jabra
I have worked with Sami’s office on multiple commercial real estate transactions. Sami and Annie are responsive, knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend using them for any real estate counsel.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Peter kotsiovos
5 stars!!!!! Helped me with closings on a buy and a sell in July!!!! Sami and Annie are great!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Maggi crockett
Needed some help quickly and John did not hesitate to help. He’s very personal and will get the job done professionally.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Miguel roblox
Son abogados muy efisientes y durante el processo nos mantubieron informados sobre todos los pasos que seguian
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27 Sep, 2024 by Josefa gutierrez
Este lugar me ayudo con todo mi proceso. Aswn todo facil sin dolor dw cabeza totalmente recomendado!
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01 Mar, 2020 by Eric
My divorce became an expected reality. Marilyn helped me navigate through the entire process. She negotiated a settlement that was better than my expectations which protected my future and that of my children. Whenever I talked to her my stress was always relieved. :)
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09 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
Thank you for taking my case seriously and getting 95% if the results I wanted. I always got my call returned quickly, which was a problem that I had in the past with other attorneys...thanks staff! Always felt important and comfortable. Always enjoyed going to meet in the office...thought it was very nice.
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18 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I wish to take a moment and thank you for representing me so finely in court. I truly appreciate your steadfast determination to see justice accomplished. I thought your cross examination was excellent. I am proud to have you as my attorney and have expressed this to my family/friends. I am ever hopeful that our endeavors will come to a fruitful close soon. Please relay my appreciation to the office staff as well!
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20 Dec, 2017 by Gina
Gary Felicetti is very professional, knowledgeable, and reliable. He cares for his clients and goes above and beyond for them. Gary has represented me and my family members for different matters. I would highly recommend Gary to represent anyone that is in need of a great attorney!
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20 Dec, 2017 by Benio infelise
Gary won my case. He was great attorney. Very professional! I would highly recommend him.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Brian
I got arrested in Orland Park for misdemeanor marijuana possession. The next day, I contacted my nearest attorney, Gary. He is a great guy, laid back, down to earth and pretty funny. I usually rely on AVVO for attorneys, so glad I found Gary. He really does know his stuff. I have referred a couple of my friends to him and so far he has got everything dismissed. Great job!
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17 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was sent to Ms. Muhammad from a Friend, but he also sent me two other lawyers who I called and Ms. Muhammad was the only one I felt Comfortable with instantly. I felt like it was family. Never did I feel she took advantage of the situation. Her price was very reasonable even when there were things she could have charged me for. I will continue to use her if I ever need her for any Family cases that might come about. 5 stars from me.
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09 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Attorney Muhammad has such a laid back, kind, and gentle nature. I was hesitant to hire her as my divorce attorney for fear that she may not be aggressive enough. However, the price was right so I took the chance. I was very satisfied with her representation both inside and outside of the courtroom. She explained the process in a way that I could understand, answered and returned calls after hours, and I was satisfied with the results of my case.
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08 Sep, 2010 by Mary
Hired Amy Corrigan for several matters over the years. She was knowledgeable and always kept me informed of the progress of my cases.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Crystal hurrins
My Experience With Sharif Was Yet The Most Greatest Ever, The Knowledge,The Support, The Reassurance was magnificent. He Showed Hard Work And Dedication Throughout My entire Case. Thank You I Highly RECOMMEND YOU. Continue To Be Great !
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16 Oct, 2024 by Aimen rafati
Very professional and productive person full of talent and knowledge I got out of an accident ticket with a dismiss no court fees and no probation I will recommend him for all your accidents needs Thanks sharif you’re a scholar and an honor
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16 Oct, 2024 by Vincent carter
I really felt comfortable in this clean and professional environment. Due to the nature of my case, I was quite intimidated from the charges, but the law office assured me of a positive outcome. I will continue to utilize this office for any future litigations.
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.9
1163 Reviews
21 Oct, 2024 by Crystal hurrins
My Experience With Sharif Was Yet The Most Greatest Ever, The Knowledge,The Support, The Reassurance was magnificent. He Showed Hard Work And Dedication Throughout My entire Case. Thank You I Highly RECOMMEND YOU. Continue To Be Great !
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16 Oct, 2024 by Aimen rafati
Very professional and productive person full of talent and knowledge I got out of an accident ticket with a dismiss no court fees and no probation I will recommend him for all your accidents needs Thanks sharif you’re a scholar and an honor
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16 Oct, 2024 by Vincent carter
I really felt comfortable in this clean and professional environment. Due to the nature of my case, I was quite intimidated from the charges, but the law office assured me of a positive outcome. I will continue to utilize this office for any future litigations.
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06 Oct, 2024 by Hannah d
The most awful experience I've ever had with an attorney. I ended up having to spend more money to hire a new lawyer, who actually listened and knew the law.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rob poland
Josh and Cassandra were terrific!! Would highly recommend them.They took great care of me and made it a smooth process.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Pamela paige
I want to thank Ankin Law for taking my case I was so please with how they explain everything to me and how they taking care of the business and getting this case on the right track 5stars I will come back if I need more help
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5.0
4 Reviews
4.9
198 Reviews
06 Oct, 2024 by Hannah d
The most awful experience I've ever had with an attorney. I ended up having to spend more money to hire a new lawyer, who actually listened and knew the law.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rob poland
Josh and Cassandra were terrific!! Would highly recommend them.They took great care of me and made it a smooth process.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Pamela paige
I want to thank Ankin Law for taking my case I was so please with how they explain everything to me and how they taking care of the business and getting this case on the right track 5stars I will come back if I need more help
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06 Oct, 2024 by Hannah d
The most awful experience I've ever had with an attorney. I ended up having to spend more money to hire a new lawyer, who actually listened and knew the law.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rob poland
Josh and Cassandra were terrific!! Would highly recommend them.They took great care of me and made it a smooth process.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Pamela paige
I want to thank Ankin Law for taking my case I was so please with how they explain everything to me and how they taking care of the business and getting this case on the right track 5stars I will come back if I need more help
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17 Sep, 2024 by Tom kieser
If you're able to shut your mouth do what you're supposed to do and let John do his job you'll come out just fine.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Andy stahl
Fotopoulos Law is the best law firm in the Chicagoland. Thankyou so much for everything John!
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16 Sep, 2024 by Wyat geist
Super super helpful would highly recommend
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06 Oct, 2024 by Hannah d
The most awful experience I've ever had with an attorney. I ended up having to spend more money to hire a new lawyer, who actually listened and knew the law.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rob poland
Josh and Cassandra were terrific!! Would highly recommend them.They took great care of me and made it a smooth process.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Pamela paige
I want to thank Ankin Law for taking my case I was so please with how they explain everything to me and how they taking care of the business and getting this case on the right track 5stars I will come back if I need more help
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06 Oct, 2024 by Hannah d
The most awful experience I've ever had with an attorney. I ended up having to spend more money to hire a new lawyer, who actually listened and knew the law.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rob poland
Josh and Cassandra were terrific!! Would highly recommend them.They took great care of me and made it a smooth process.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Pamela paige
I want to thank Ankin Law for taking my case I was so please with how they explain everything to me and how they taking care of the business and getting this case on the right track 5stars I will come back if I need more help
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06 Oct, 2024 by Hannah d
The most awful experience I've ever had with an attorney. I ended up having to spend more money to hire a new lawyer, who actually listened and knew the law.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Janice hemp
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Masah and she is truly amazing. Not only are her rates reasonable but she is extremely detailed and a great attorney. She has helped me tremendously with my case. You can fully trust her to handle your case delicately and get expected fair results. She is extremely patient and professional and i enjoyed working with her. I highly recommend if you are ever in need of her services to please reach out you will not regret it.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Rob poland
Josh and Cassandra were terrific!! Would highly recommend them.They took great care of me and made it a smooth process.
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05 Apr, 2024 by Felicia
I hired him for my divorce. He did virtually nothing to represent me and charged me almost $9K. I negotiated my own deal with my husband, otherwise I could have expected the bare minimum. He would have charged me 15k to do full discovery. My ex is a very high earner and yet I ended up paying my legal fees. Well, of course Roland knows my ex's attorney very well for many many years. What's worse is that Roland treated me in an absolutely degrading, condescending manner. He came as a recommendation and I so regret taking this person's recommendation. I have never in my life been treated so poorly by someone I hired for any type of service. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!!!
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16 Dec, 2021 by Ronald s
Roland was the attorney for my 2.5 year review of my divorce decree.
My first attorney knew divorce law well, however was not very good with unusual circumstances and understanding financials.
Roland was an excellent listener and took the time to understand and empathize with what was important to me in outcomes. He not only understood the law, but could see the areas where we could negotiate with my ex and her lawyer. He confidently told me what we had control over and what we could influence. He was very good at educating me on the law and preparing me to have realistic expectations for outcomes. In the end, Roland negotiated a deal for me through a very difficult ex and created a financial solution that everyone was willing to accept. The solution was better than what I had expected and still met the needs of my ex.
I couldn't recommend Roland any more highly.
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02 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I came to Roland in high stress Order of Protection situation. I already had the OOP in place but the other party was attempting to have it modified. Roland explained everything from the beginning and never made any promises he couldn’t keep. The counsel I received with Roland was so worth the money and I would hire him over and over again if I needed to. He knows the laws and knows how to explain those laws to help everything make sense. His counsel was so outstanding the other party ended up backing down before the judge. I am so grateful I found Roland and would definitely recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
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03 May, 2024 by Nancy webb
I want to applaud the customer service I get from Peggy. She always returns my calls right away & is a sweetheart to talk to. I feel like I've made a real friend. Thank you. Peggy!
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01 May, 2024 by Michelle dibartolomeo
Their staff and lawyers are amazing! They went above and beyond my divorce proceedings all the way up to the final divorce date. I strongly recommend them for all things divorce. I felt comfortable knowing I was in good hands! Thank you Reidy law for all you have done! Thank you Brian, Mitch, Lynn, Peggy! It was a rough 9 months but so worth it. Thank you for being by my side!
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29 Apr, 2024 by Denise rispens
I used Reidy Law for my complicated divorce in 2020 and again recently for a modification to the parenting plan in 2024. I didn't realize at the time (2020) how much Reidy Law protected my children and I by thinking of everything we would need both then and now. I would recommend them for anyone as they are supportive, patient, and so kind.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I wouldn't recommend Mr. King to anyone. He never met with me in person but only talked to me on the phone which is weird. He filed my case in the wrong court and once sent me a wrong document to sign because as he said it many times "would lose his head had it not been attached." My case was pretty amicable from the start, and we could have settled in a reasonable time, but I have a feeling Mr. King was stringing me along to get more money out of me. He went to court multiple times and never called me to update me on what was going on. It seems like he never did anything to be proactive until I picked up the phone and talked to him. Then you would get charged for the phone call as well for reminding him to do something that he should have known he had to do.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Ashlee
Hi, I’m Ashlee here in Addison. After having multiple bad experiences with credit repair companies and figuring out the credit scores they told me they boosted were false and the negatives on my report weren't cleaned I tried PINNACLE CREDIT SPECIALIST. I want to publicly appreciate the effort that helped me to increase my credit scores when I was suffering from low scores of 556 and suddenly shot up to 796 within 6 days. I happened to meet this dude on Quora and contacted him by email:
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10 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I hired Matthew King for what I hoped would be a short case of father trying to re-open entire parenting agreement. 2 years later it finally settled after what turned into a contentious battle with an unrealistic opposing side. Needless to say Mr King was amazing the entire time! So grateful I found him on a whim and gave him a shot. He holds his composure constantly under pressure and in the end it always did us well. Judge and GAL seemed to respect him a lot as opposed to other attorneys I witnessed. He genuinely cared about the case and child involved. Always available. Could call or meet him anytime needed! Always remembered the facts over the years and used them very wisely. One step ahead of opposing side all the time. Smart guy, doesn’t put on ‘the show’, consults you the entire time on smart decisions so he’s not just running up a bill. I’ve referred multiple people to Matthew since and everyone has been so grateful to find him. You won’t go wrong with this attorney!
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20 Feb, 2024 by R. k.
Mr. Palmisano retired due to health reasons. The other attorneys left and set up shop in Orland Park. The Suite 63 is now owned and occupied by FWM Beauty. It has been so for at least 6 months. It is easy to verify this just type FWM Beauty and see the address is the same as the Palmisano Law Group old address.
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10 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
He told me he could do it but he didn’t. Meanwhile I’m a lot poorer. He pushed it off on his staff
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22 Nov, 2021 by Patrick naughton
Don't Hire Them! I hired Jennifer Clancy for a child support case. They told me what I wanted to hear and got my retainer. After my initial consultation that I assumed was free, they charged over $600 from my retainer. After I questioned that they knocked it down in half but it should still have been no charge IMO. Had to stay on her to keep the case moving. Fast forward to the hearing date Jennifer had NO argument for the judge to consider modifying my child support. No cited case law, no plan, and no reason to tell the judge why it should be changed. Even the judge was waiting for her legal argument but she did not prepare anything. Just kept repeating, "my client shouldn't have to pay!" BUT wait there's more!! 9 DAYS after I lost the case I got served with a notice they were suing me for an additional $1,800 I owed them. (Gave them $3,500 to start) This was the balance of the bill I owed them after court. I never got any bill!!! No call to me, no email, and no letter stating I had a balance to settle. Just a court date subpoena. It was the most unprofessional way to do business. They had all my contact information and could have called. Unfortunately I just paid the bill to be done with her and not go to court. Read all the other reviews too and then find a real lawyer.
March 2022 update: In response to Jennifer's reply below, I call BS. They claim in their reply "Mr. Naughton agreed to an unusual provision in his Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage..." as a reason the case wasn't won. It is true I agreed to an unusual provision BUT this was the SOLE REASON I wanted to modify my child support. Jennifer and Jim assured me this was a winnable case and "no problem" to get my child support modified. That statement was the reason I hired them!! SMH. I do agree any case can be lost no matter how strong it seems. Notice they didn't address the portion of my review where 9 days after the case concluded they filed a suit against me their client. I never got a final bill at all. Jennifer knew my phone number and email when corresponding about the case but decided to just take me to court to pay the balance owed.
So Jennifer (who had NO case law to bring to the judge) in the future, don't lie about your chances to win a case and STOP serving your clients with law suites when they owe you money. Send them a final bill. Please hire anyone besides Palmisano if you want a chance. I am to blame for hiring Jennifer!
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01 Mar, 2024 by Kurt
Sterk Family Law handled my case with Professionalism, compassion and empathy. They were able to get me the end result I wanted.
They guided me through the process very smoothly and their advice was always spot on.
Great Team.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Patrice
So beyond helpful. They heard my pain and helped us with easy to follow steps to work out a fair plan that made us both happy to move forward. All said and done in 4 months is a game changer in life where time is so important.
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08 Sep, 2021 by Rebecca
I hired Gwen halfway through my divorce because I felt like my previous attorney was not doing a good job and I was not getting a fair deal. I called Gwen on recommendation from a coworker and had a free consultation with her. During the consultation she did not just sell me on her firm but advised me of things to do if I hired someone else. Gwen's whole team was exceptional and made sure I got a fair deal. Everyone on her team is friendly and professional explaining all the steps and terminology along the way. They always responded to my calls or emails within 24 hours or sooner. I only wish I had hired her from the start!
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08 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Hired him for a divorce , and all he did was drag it on and on , then when I asked about How much longer he gets on his high horse and withdraws He took almost 2 years saying her lawyer was holding things up , Found a New Lawyer and with in 4 months the Divorce was final , Never recommended Kurt Meyer again and He was recommended by a friend , who represented him ,,,,, Dont be fooled buy his fast talk and smile , He stinks as a divorce lawyer
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12 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
Same as everyone else who gave him a 1 star if it was possible I wouldn’t even give him that. I’m not gonna go into detail bc it seems like everyone has had the same experience. Took on my case went to court once for me called me almost to the point of harassment, left the weirdest voicemails after explaining to him that I work and cannot answer the phone every time he called he would get mad. No patience, very uncomfortable to talk to, talks a good game but is all about the $$ not there to help you is there for your money. Then will send you a letter that he is not going to represent you anymore. Please do not make the same mistake I did and 80% of the people that used him.Its sad that he can sleep at night knowing what he does to people and how much we put our trust in him. No heart.
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09 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Agree with previous. He would say he was on my side, but other attorneys had the upper hand. He threatened to leave my case multiple times, would easily get offended when asked questions. Mocked me to other attorneys and judge when he thought he couldn't be heard. Please do your research on him. not worth the money and does make several calls and excess paperwork that is not necessary and will run up the bill quickly.
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19 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Dorsam some years ago for a new paternity/child support case. As other reviewers have noted, I chose attorney Dorsam because of her credentials as a guardian ad litem and because I wanted a smaller office vs a larger firm. When I hired attorney Dorsam I believe the office consisted of Attorney Dorsam, her legal secretary, and her paralegal. She was fine during the consultation and the initial filing seemed fair. Once she got in contact with the opposing attorney she became completely unresponsive. I would call her office and she or her paralegal would not return call the call. She would forward documents to me from opposing counsel with no guidance and in some cases unopened. While her hourly rate was reasonable she will grossly overbill as other reviewers have stated. My ex told me that the opposing counsel and Rhea Dorsam were good friends so I just assumed that was the reason but it appears that other reviewers have also had the same experience. My experience with every attorney reviewed on Avvo so far has been excellent. Unfortunately, Avvo reviews were not prevalent when I hired her. Her rate may seem attractive but I would not recommend hiring Attorney Dorsam.
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17 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Rhea was my attorney. She was outrageously expensive. She ruined my family. She picked sides in my divorce and did all She could to distance my children from me. Rhea makes judgement calls that are not grounded in evidence. If you use Rhea Dorsam as your attorney you will end up poor and heartbroken. I really wish I could rate her the zero rating she deserves.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Rhea was my attorney for almost an entire year. It was the most frustrating year on my life. Rhea never informed me that I could ask for a 215 evaluation for my prescription drug addicted spouse. She did not put in an order for child support. Rhea never attempted to obtain my ex's mandatory financial disclosure statement. She had me waiving my right to financial disclosure and would not change it even though I asked her repeatedly. She had the wrong addresses and cars in the initial agreement as well. Rhea rarely would return calls and when she did, she would bill me $75 for a three minute conversation. The final straw came when she made changes to the marital settlement agreement without my consent or knowledge. I retained another attorney that finalized the divorce in only 10 weeks. I choose Rhea because she is a guardian ad litem and thought she would have our best interests at heart. I'm posting this review as a public service. I wish Ms. Dorsam the best, but I can not recommend her as a divorce attorney.
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15 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired his law group explicitly for a child support case in June. They assigned Jennifer Clancy to my case. The judge ordered a DNA test and she told the whole court she had never done a DNA test before and had to ask which lab to use. Extremely unprofessional and belligerent when contacted regarding valid case questions.
I fired them in November of 2020 for unnecessarily dragging out my case. The next issue I had with this law group was with getting my unused retainer refunded back to me. They signed an inaccurate check amount in January. They intentionally sat on my check for 3 additional months and purposely dragged mailing out my check out until I contacted them in February. Pretty horrible having to ask where your money is when they didn’t have to ask me where their money was. Do yourself a favor and hire Mary Davis instead of these unprofessional expensive con artists.
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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:
-
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.
