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23 Jun, 2016 by Darryl
Dana H. Hankins and staff handled my divorce in a personal, professional, and efficient manner. I was always informed in a timely manner as to the status of the paperwork involved. I highly recommend this firm.
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13 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I would like to thank Attorney Hankins a thousand times over for her services. She has represented me on several occasions and I will continue to retain her as needed. She is extremely competent and professional. I feel she treated me with kindness and compassion. In short I would highly recommend her for her years of experience , professionalism, competency and compassion. A most grateful and satisfied client.
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12 Nov, 2012 by Carlos
Dana was the perfect attorney for me because she was genuinely caring, interested in the welfare of all parties, and mostly perceptive to the best interested of the child needs'. I did not feel like I was just another case number in her practice. In cases where human emotions are at the highest, you need someone like Dana who can give you wise legal counsel with respect & integrity.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Leisa
I have been in the Family Law arena for 8 years with 3 different attorneys. Once I signed with Angela, things finally began to move extremely efficiently. She was dedicated to my case and went to extreme measures to make sure justice was served. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking Family Law Counsel.
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09 Mar, 2015 by Tom
Angela was on top of all correspondences and provided fast feedback during my personal injury case. I was always kept up to date without having to wait for answers. She swiftly executed all documents and settled my case very quickly and to my great satisfaction. I found her very knowledgeable and very professional and aggressive on my behalf when necessary. I will always consult Angela on any future cases and definitely recommend her to all my friends and family. She is one of the best attorney's I have had the pleasure of having on my side.
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24 Feb, 2015 by Alan
Angela handled a personal injury case for me. She was caring, passionate, trust-worthy and dedicated to my case. She listened to me when other attorney’s turned me away. She was friendly and always helpful. I recommend her to anyone that needs an attorney for a personal injury or any case! Thank you Angela!!!
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15 Nov, 2010 by Ron
Mr. Tate goes the extra mile to help his clients. kyle always listens to every detail before making any suggestions on how to help his clients. I have very impressed with the amount of time and effort he and his firm put into researching and preparing for a case. I would highly recommend Mr. Tate and I feel truly blessed by having him as my attorney.
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14 Nov, 2010 by Alan
To: Kyle Tate
Subject: Update on David Anderson Case (From Alan)
Kyle,
I wanted to thank you and your staff for the work you did for me in 2008 on the David Anderson Case.
Using the evidence from the civil complaint, the State Attorney's Office in Palatka filed criminal charges against Anderson, which resulted in his agreement to plead "no contest" on charges of Operating an Organized Scheme to Defraud. Anderson will receive probation provided that he pays most of the civil judgment, on which he made the first installment on paying back to me yesterday.
Two other people whom Anderson defrauded were at the sentencing, and many others are aware that Anderson pleaded "no contest" to the criminal charges. These people are grateful, as I am, that Anderson did not escape the consequences of defrauding his customers (besides myself there were eight other customers who were similarly defrauded).
Most importantly, Anderson has been prohibited from using his business to harm any other potential customers in the future.
As a result of this experience, I have learned much about the way civil and criminal law works. I respect the good work that you and others in the legal profession do every day. Our society is held together by the idea that all of will receive a fair hearing under the law, and people such as you and your staff enable that to happen.
Thank you again for the good work by yourself and your staff. I am sure many residents of our area have benefited from representation by your firm, as I have.
Alan
Melrose, FL
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07 Nov, 2010 by Chris
Kyle was an awesome choice for my lawyer needs. He was very informative and helpful in all aspects of my case. he made me feel as if a had a friend on my side to handle all my needs. Kyle handled my case better than ever exspected. His knowledge of the ins and outs of the laws was the difference in getting what I wanted out of my case.
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31 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She was very professional. She would return my calls promptly and gave detailed information as needed. She always provided me updates and statuses every step of the way on my case.
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07 Apr, 2016 by Rb
Natalie Quinonez successfully represented my son recently with a traffic charge, which she got dropped. What struck me was when my son said, compared to the other attorneys present during his day in court, his attorney, Natalie, was 'hands-down' much, much more prepared than the others he watched while awaiting his turn. And, as already mentioned, she got my son's charge dropped. I recommend her firm to everyone.
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08 Mar, 2016 by Joe fernandez
The Quinonez Law Firm provided great legal advice and guided me in the right direction on issues with a previous case. Highly recommended! Almost regret not going to her first!
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07 Oct, 2014 by Kari
Jennifer is a wonderful attorney who helped me through a very difficult time in my life. She was very knowledgeable in family law and was able to help me make better decisions for my future. She was always there for me when I needed a questioned answered or had a thought. Jennifer is worth every penny I paid her! She really does go the extra mile for her clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a divorce.
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07 Oct, 2014 by Alex
Jennifer has always been available to help guide me through situations whether big or small. She is also very knowledgeable, proffesional, and courteous. I have and will always recommend her.
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07 Oct, 2014 by Kelsey
Jennifer is amazing. We hired her for a step-parent adoption. She was there for us every step of the way. If I ever need anything I know I can count on her.
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06 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I contacted Chelsea about my sudden divorce. I was lost and confused. Chelsea made the process quick and easy. She was always there for me when I had questions and was with me every step of the way. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs a lawyer.
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27 Oct, 2016 by Frank
“I hired Ms. Bilello to help review a operating/lease agreement for a new business venture. She was quick to respond, professional, and knowledgable and I felt like I was well represented when it came time to sign...
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07 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Bilello was extremely professional and knowledgable with all questions during our consultation. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for a reliable, hard working attorney who will make you feel like she truly understands the situation at hand and do her best to help in any way possible.
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05 Jun, 2018 by Johan
I came to this firm during the worst imaginable point in my life and the excellent legal representation along with the compassion and understanding shown has made an incredible difference in my life. Laura does exactly what she says, she protects business owners. She provided me with an honest assessment of my case and I believe she genuinely cared. Whether I speak with her by phone or meeting with her in person, she is always fully engage. I have been in her office talking about my case she ask questions, explained me with simple words make me understood the process of divorce and what I can expect No matter how many stupid questions I ask her, Laura and her staff always have patience and knowledge to answer, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in my case so far.
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22 Feb, 2016 by Harvey
The personnel in the office is great.. Attorney Sterling has a great personality and attitude. They have kept me informed at all times and have answered all questions I have had. I would recommend them to any one looking for a great family attorney..
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14 Jul, 2015 by Joan
Since my first consultation she has been so helpful, clear and honest, keeping me informed of all the steps to follow and what's possibly going to happen during my process. I really recommend her.
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30 Jan, 2018 by Aida
“Rebecca has helped me every step of the way with my my case. She won my case!!! I am glad to have Rebecca on my side. “Excellent Job”
It has been a positive experience working with Rebecca. Once gain, thank you for everything you did for me!!!
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20 Nov, 2017 by Amanda brown
This was my first time retaining a lawyer and I’d have to say, Rebecca made the process so smooth and I felt like my son was in good hands... She was very proactive and updated me on every aspect. This was a scary situation for me because I trusted her with my child’s case and she made it less scary and she fought for a good outcome for my son. If your in need a Lawyer with a true passion to help, fight and great outcome, Rebecca is the one!! I have her on speed dial!! Thank you Rebecca for helping my son!!
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07 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Blechman is extremely dedicated and professional. I hired her to represent me for a first offense DUI charge. She addressed all of my concerns and helped to put my mind at ease during every step of what was an otherwise difficult situation. I felt safe and well represented by Ms. Blechman. She is extremely knowledgeable and has been thorough in helping me understand the legal process. Thanks to Ms. Blechman I was approved for Pre-Trial Diversion; the best possible outcome for this case. I would definitely recommend her to anyone in need of legal counseling, especially first offense.
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02 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
I had a traffic case that was a pain to deal with, Mr. Behzadi took great care of it in the courtroom and I didn’t even have to speak (I get nervous and my English isn’t great) good job highly recommended
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20 Apr, 2019 by Rafeena
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Albert and his partner and wish them all the best with their new office.
Albert was referred to us by a friend. We met the morning of our pre-jury trial. We were very impressed how he was poised, patient, pleasant and polite both times he approached the judge. His confidence in us and our case shown through and he was able to accomplish his goals for our day in court.
We are confident that moving forward he and his partner will always put their best foot forward to present our case. We are very pleased and blessed that he was recommened. Albert is truly a man of his word and should be proud of his accomplishments. He is a young bright attorney.
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26 Mar, 2019 by Jonathan
We went for Mr. Behzadi for his trial knowleadge as he is a former state attorney/ prosecutor. Not only was he the most helpful with our delicate case but with his experience he knew exactly how the other side was going to proceed in court and he handled it perfectly, he’s not only professional and knows his stuff but he’s also a shark in there. Recommend.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr. Joseph Sternberg regarding a landlord-tenant issue, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment of our initial consultation, Mr. Sternberg demonstrated an exceptional level of knowledge, compassion, and generosity. He provided me with clear, actionable advice that addressed all of my concerns, leaving me with a solid understanding of my legal options.
What stood out most was his timely follow-up after our consultation. When I had additional questions, he responded promptly and took the time to ensure that every question was answered thoroughly. His thoughtful guidance not only alleviated my concerns but also gave me a clearer path forward in resolving my situation.
Mr. Sternberg offers reasonable rates for representation, and his professionalism is matched by his genuine commitment to helping his clients. If you’re in need of a lawyer for landlord-tenant matters, I highly recommend reaching out to him for a consultation. His expertise and support made a world of difference during a stressful time, and I am extremely grateful for all his help.
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21 Nov, 2018 by Maor
Joseph did a great job handling my case.
He took the time to make sure the letter he wrote representing me will be comprehensive and accurate and by that was able to resolve my issue.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Riko
In an addition to being a phenomenal lawyer, Joseph is incredibly generous. He has worked pro-bono on our non-profit for a couple of months, and it feels as though he is already part of our tribe! He always makes time for us in his busy schedule and checks up on us when we haven't checked in. We at The Waking Hearts, Inc. extremely appreciate him and recommend him at your service.
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18 Feb, 2025 by Joe groszek
Mr. Roberts and his staff are truly one of the best attorney firms I have ever dealt with. His common sense approach and the way he explains the whole process was greatly appreciated. You cant go wrong hiring him.
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29 Jan, 2025 by Theresa hrynyk
I highly recommend The Roberts Family Law Firm! They provided me with extremely competent, straightforward, and supportive representation during the course of my divorce. My Attorney David Roberts and my Paralegal Lauren were always honest, empathetic, and practical. I will always be grateful that David Roberts continued to represent me even when I could not afford my legal fees and so we had to request an emergency spousal support hearing. I truly don’t know what I would have done without their continued support! This is a firm that 100% cares about their clients and will fight for the client’s best outcome no matter how contentious and underhanded the other side may be.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Chris kraemer
It was an absolute pleasure working with David and his Team! David did an amazing job with all aspects of my case. His experience, demeanor, professionalism and above all determination to get my case settled was outstanding! I would highly recommend his services to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Maighenn west
Moe is a fantastic personal injury attorney and I would recommend him to anyone that was in a motorcycle accident!
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06 Feb, 2025 by Janelle
I cannot think of a harder working lawyer and team. They really stand in your corner and fight. I would highly recommend them!
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05 Feb, 2025 by Summer beauregard
Our attorney was amazing! She thought for us every step of the way. We cannot thank her and the team at Dewitt enough! You could not in better hands if you choose Dewitt.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Paul was very informative, knowledgeable and professional. He gave me all the information I needed and I look forward to working with him should things go in that direction.
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02 Mar, 2016 by Kenny
Jerrod was easy to work with and very knowledgable about personal injury. I got in a car accident and he sat down and explained all my options. When I had questions, he was always available to talk. My case was handled with care. Good lawyers who are honest and have the best interests of their clients are hard to find. Jerrod is a diamond in the rough.
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23 Apr, 2019 by Brian
Paul was hired after I fired my first attorney. I was very satisfied with Paul. all my questions were answered in a timely manner. He made me feel comfortable during a very stressful situation. completely opposite of the first attorney I hired. I highly recommend mr. Moyer. An all-around stand-up guy, straight shooter.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Mary
Mr. Moyer handled my divorce with empathy and professionalism. His advice was reasonable and led to a quick and fair resolution. He clearly has a lot of experience and takes the time to answer all questions thoroughly. His rates were reasonable and there was no questionable billing. Highly recommend.
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15 Mar, 2012 by Andy
He handled a messy divorce for me. He kept me calm with just the facts of my case. He guided me with what was important and what was emotions on my part and the bottom line, he was right. I recommend Mr, Suh for any and all legal actions. He is truthful and very professional.
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09 Dec, 2010 by Jane
Jonathan Suh represented me in a traffic ticket a few months ago. I think he is a professional attorney that was diligent in getting my case resolved. He kept me informed and updated with the status of my case. He is a excellent attorney that I would recommend and will use again if I have any legal issues in the future.
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11 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I had the hardest judge in the county and curtis got me off against the odds when he was a public defender .
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03 Mar, 2018 by Alex
Curtis Mendenhall representing me for 2 felonies I was facing. He was very attentive and was treating each case as if it was his biggest case. He paid special attention and when I called him he knew exactly what my charges were in what case he was dealing without checking.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Tokunbo
Mrs. Johns represented me for my divorce. Mrs. Johns made sure to take the time to explain every aspect of my trial and fought for the best outcome in my case. She is very well versed in the Law and was very strategic in her arguments. I was truly blessed to have Mrs. Jones represent me in my divorce.
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14 Jun, 2020 by Daniel
Angelica and her legal team helped me through a very difficult custody case. Time and again, Angelica showed her professionalism, knowledge of the law, and dedication to what she does. Over the course of 10+ months, Angelica helped guide me in trying to do the the right thing. Not for myself, but for my son, his relationship with me, and his relationship with his mother. Angelica was very thorough in gathering the information she needed. Her paralegals were always available to relay messages to her and she would then promptly get back to me that same day (usually within an hour or so). Thanks to Angelica and her team, my sons mother and I were able to come to an agreement that was above and beyond what I had initially thought possible. I have nothing but positive things to say about Angelica. I definitely recommend her to anyone in need of amazing legal representation.
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17 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Rigby helped me through a Florida Bar Investigative Hearing. This was the most stressful time in my life, after working so hard to get through law school and the bar exam. When searching for an attorney, I was given his name by two independent people, both heavily involved in the field of law.
Mr. Rigby could not have done a better job. He was patient, prepared, responsive, and always kept me informed. He prepared diligently for my hearing and as a result, I was prepared as well. Mr. Rigby truly cares for his clients and cases. 4 days after my hearing, I received my clearance. I will always be grateful to Mr. Rigby, he was worth every penny. I would recommend him without hesitation. :)
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07 Aug, 2013 by Carlos
Mr. Rigby helped me navigate the admissions process for the Florida Bar. I could not have found a better lawyer. He was always very prepared, always on top of all communications, very knowledgeable and incredibly generous with his time. I would not hesitate to hire him again and have already referred various clients his way.
Carlos Fournier
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25 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous
These things are never easy…and Angela understands that and puts your mind at ease by putting hers to work. Her, and her team, are caring and put the client first. Well trained and equipped with a firm that takes action. Her guidance was invaluable.
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01 Jul, 2014 by Tom
After the death of my mother we went to the attorney that prepared her will (not The Adams law firm) to complete the process, After three months of jumping through hoops and many phone calls nothing was ever done. I called the Adams Law firm and meet with Amy Adams. She was very knowledgeable and had the entire process completed in a matter of a few weeks. In a situation like this it takes compassionate professional to complete the process and that's exactly what we found with Amy Adams first class all the way ! I recommend Amy and The Adams Law firm to all my friends and associates.
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14 May, 2019 by Steven
Vanessa is intelligent, hardworking, and knows the law very well. She was able to help me identify several corner cases in my communications and negotiate a civil contract matter with a lot of specific and unusual circumstances, and she was able to do it incredibly fast (because it was time sensitive). On several occasions she was only minutes away. Because of her help, I was able to be confident negotiating my dispute and it worked out.
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09 Jan, 2012 by Monica
Lisa Patten and her staff are friendly, organized, detailed, thorough. Divorce is a difficult time in ones life, a time when you need someone to lean and rely on. Without Lisa Patten I would not have what I have today. I can look back and know that I got the best for me and my children. The support of someone that knows what to look out for at a time when you can become too emotional and blinded by the difficult situation is crucial. The help, guidance and support by Lisa and her staff is irreplacable.
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01 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I contacted Mr. Cersine regarding my divorce. He gave great advice, listened to what I wanted (while giving me reality checks when needed), and was incredibly prompt with returning my calls and setting up meetings. His advice was always right on point. He told me what my options were, when I was giving more than I had to, and just really provided a sense of calmness in a trying situation. I would highly recommend him!
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20 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Spencer Gledhill to represent me in a Civil Lawsuit, he was very professional throughout the process, during a Jury trial for the lawsuit he made a motion for a Directed Verdict and it was granted, I could not be happier with the way that he handled my case as well as himself while representing me.
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25 Mar, 2015 by Mrs. acene santana
I am in the finance and accounting profession and I have served as Financial Controller for a large manufacturer for many years. I am also very involved with my connunity and serve as the treasurer of a youth sports nonprofit organization...in this role is that I had the pleasure to work with Mr. Ogburia.
He provided excellent services and the most important thing for me is the warm approach with which he treats people in need.
Mr. Ogburia's services are synonym of professionalism, care and honesty. I highly recommend him.
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24 Feb, 2017 by Paul
Ms. Kwon did well with the handling of my speeding traffic case. She was able to get a reduction in my fine, adjudication of my charge and no points. I only had to take an advance traffic class.
Thanks ms. Kwon
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28 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
Great lawyer! We hired Harold to represent our teenager Son and he exceeded expectations. Words cannot even begin to describe how diligent and exceptional he is and we dealt directly with him at all times.
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22 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. King has represented me in several legal matters and is always professional and offers good advice. Highly recommend!
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16 Nov, 2017 by Barbara
From the first consultation with Michael, he was a gift. This continued throughout our years-long working relationship. He is knowledgeable, articulate and effective, with an excellent command of the law. His creativity, collaboration and counsel will not steer you wrong. I have complete confidence in his representation, and have recommended him to others who have been equally as impressed.
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23 May, 2017 by Joseph
I have worked with Mrs. Aymat on various projects dating back to 2009. She has vetted policies, helped draft a variety of agreements and contracts, and provided valuable advice. Her attention to detail, honest communication and knowledge of the law surpassed my greatest expectations. I would recommend Mrs. Aymat without any reservations.
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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.
