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5.0
24 Reviews
5.0
16 Reviews
01 Jan, 2025 by Patrick
Melanie was able to walk with me during a difficult time in my life. She cares about both her clients and an ethical job well done. She helped steady my life during a turbulent time.
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31 Dec, 2024 by William
Melanie is very professional and capable. She fits the role of attorney perfectly. She is fair and friendly, a fast thinker with an excellent brain, she knows her business inside and out, she can be aggressive when necessary and she is available and responsive to questions concerns and emails. My previous attorney treated me like a second rate client, like she was squeezing me in to an already heavy case load, treated me like an afterthought. But not Melanie, she made me feel like my case and my concerns were her priority and they were. She is the attorney you want on your side to fight for what's fair and right for you. Also, my previous attorney did not have the experience and knowledge necessary for my complicated case. Melanie jumped right in and was able to lead and direct my case properly. I can't say enough good about her she's did everything exactly right. I couldn't imagine being in my very terrible situation without someone capable and strong like Melanie to stand in front of me and fight for me.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Mark
Melanie will have your best interest in mind when she takes your case. Melanie was considerate of my time. She was very transparent throughout the divorce process. She is strategic and methodical in her approach. I would highly recommend her for anyone that is seeking a true professional. The divorce process is very rough, but thanks to Melanie my kids and I can heal and move forward as a family.
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5.0
18 Reviews
4.8
524 Reviews
31 Dec, 2024 by David birch
27 Dec, 2024 by Jackie waechter
Elizabeth was WONDERFUL in making a painful time in life tolerable. She was patient and thorough in making sure I was taken care of in the divorce.
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27 Dec, 2024 by Lorena zavala
This firm was amazing to work with. They were supportive, kept me informed, and handled my case with care. I’m so happy with the outcome and would definitely recommend them.
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4.9
17 Reviews
4.6
38 Reviews
30 Oct, 2024 by Rachel harsch
Mr. Henry was so kind and patient when I had a consultation with him. I am going through an ugly divorce and I went to him for guidance. Since I live in a rural county an hour outside the metro area he was not able to represent me but he took the time to contact an attorney in my area that he knew and trusted to help me find someone.
If I lived closer I would definitely hire Mr. Henry to represent me.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Alexxis pike
The Henry Law Firm was absolutely amazing to work with! I couldn’t have asked for a better team! Steve himself was so attentive to everything in my very complicated case. He was always there to explain what was going on and answer all of my questions I had. He was a key factor in the reason we were able to win our case. I would recommend him to all of my family and friends!
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11 Jan, 2024 by Jeff myers
Steve did an awesome job in the mediation of my divorce. He moved mountains and made some miracles happen along the way as well. I would highly recommend his services to all my friends and family. The Henry Law Firm provides excellence in their family law practice.!
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25 Nov, 2024 by Our scrub boutique
Dustin is literally the best Attorney. He always responded within 5 min of me reaching out. He went above and beyond to make sure everything was taken care of for me.
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30 Oct, 2024 by Harley sam
Was very helpful. Helped me get a fair settlement! Would come back
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29 Oct, 2024 by Leisa monreal
Dustin, exceeded my expectation. I was completely impressed with their professionalism.
I highly recommend Biesterveld and Crook.
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22 May, 2021 by Mya clark
22 Jul, 2017 by Genece wheeler beadle
Richard Becker handled a family matter case for me. I found him to be a brilliant, skilled, efficient, concise lawyer. He did exactly what I had asked him to do, more efficiently and painlessly than I could have imagined, and thus saving me money, time, and stress. I have recommended him to friends and family.
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31 Oct, 2014 by Scott
Rich handled my divorce and always went the extra mile under very difficult circumstances. He represented me for about 18 months regarding my child custody/visitation and against very long odds won the case for me. I would HIGHLY recomend Rich for whatever your legal needs might be.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Krissie copp
Great attorney and extremely intelligent in contracts and family law. Highly recommend!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Allison cale
Seth is the man! His professionalism, commitment, patience and empathy saved me and my young daughter. I can't thank him and his team enough for helping me through my hardest time. Such kind people. Thank you, Seth!
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17 Jul, 2024 by Jeff lesuer
From start to finish my experience with Lyle law was great. My case was handled quickly and professionally. I highly recommend Lyle Law for any family matters.
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05 Jan, 2025 by Sam schembri
DO NOT PICK THIS FIRM. THEY HAVE A TERRIBLE REPUTATION DO YOUR RESEARCH. THEY ASK THEIR CLIENTS TO TAKE DOWN THE BAD REVIEWS. THAT'S WHY THEY HAVE 4.9 STARS ON THEIR REVIEWS. THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE IT DOWN AND I SAID "NO" THEY WILL CONTACT GOOGLE TO GET YOUR REVIEW REMOVED IF YOU DONT TAKE IT DOWN "PATHETIC"
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03 Jan, 2025 by Kimberly herndon
Horrible experience. Do not hire this firm. I was embarrassed to have this law firm represent me for a PFA order. The attorney was filling in for my attorney and he knew absolutely nothing about my case. He actually made things worse for me. I would have done a better job representing myself. I wound up rescinding the PFA on my own because I couldn't trust my legal counsel to protect me.
I thought I was paying $400/hour to be protected by an established firm. Instead, I felt like my kids and I didn't matter to them. Only my money.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Dorain williams
I’ve been with Chris going on 4 years now and my experience with him and Pier has exceeded expectations. Their knowledge on family law is exceptional and he’s someone you want in corner!
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06 Feb, 2020 by Alex
As one of Ron's clients I can say he has always treated me with respect, been attentive to my needs, been prompt with replies to queries and thorough in explaining my options. His professional cool demeanor to keep me focused is also appreciated in times when I may not have been.
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11 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Ron provides honest feed back & isn't afraid of challenging you on points that you state that may not be legitimate in court. Ron believes in what is best for the minor children and gets results based on this alone. He was able to get the parenting plan I proposed which my ex was against and not in the best interest of the children. I would hire Ron again if I needed him and I have referred him and he got excellent results for my friend, again with the children's best interests in mind. Great family oriented attorney that gets the results his clients ask for.
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23 Aug, 2018 by Lynne
Ron has been my attorney for over 10 years. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and caring. Ron was very good at explaining the law of the state, how it would apply to my case, and applicable options. In a kind and considerate way, he was the voice of reason when I needed to hear it and represented me excellently. I would highly recommend Ron Rundberg.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Bill owens
11 Dec, 2024 by Bob paulsen
Very friendly and supportive.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Shawna paulsen
16 Oct, 2024 by Butch hansen
02 Oct, 2024 by Chris kinsella
Ashley Franden is an absolute blessing from God! To go through a divorce is very difficult and exhausting. Ashley will take control of your situation and fight for you. She is responsive, detailed, respectful, strategic, patient, and aggressive (in a good way!) With Ashley in your corner, you can rest easier knowing she is doing her diligence with your case.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Jeff sturdivan
Diane is very knowledgeable in her field. She goes above and beyond to support her clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone. I could not have asked for a better experience.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Erica berry
Mr.Wellman is absolutely wonderful ! He helped me with my bankruptcy and was very patient and supportive of me and everything I was going through . He always responded to me and communicated well . He never treated me like he was too busy like some attorneys do . One of the biggest things I’m grateful for was his ability to communicate and clarify things in a way where I could understand . I will always recommend him and use him for all future legal matters . Best attorney in KC !!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Trevon green
After paying Mark Jeffers nearly 10k for my child custody case and having the case go almost a year with him as my attorney, he decided to withdraw as my attorney at the most crucial point in my case because it was not going perfectly. He made my image in front of the judge worse by withdrawing and left me to spend several thousand more to retain a new attorney. Both my child and myself have suffered additionally because of him and i would highly suggest that anyone that values their time, money and custody of their child never consider hiring Mark Jeffers as their counsel.
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03 Sep, 2023 by Susan gray meyer
Keith Wellman is a very professional knowledgeable and dedicated attorney in the bankruptcy field. The consultation went very quickly, and the whole process from start to finish, was explained very thoroughly and his advice was greatly appreciated! Thank you Keith for all you did for me and for helping me to get my financial life back in order.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Jason carley
Really enjoyed working with Alan as our mediator. He remained unbias on all counts and made sure we knew exactly what was going on through every step. Quick to respond and stayed on top of open actions throughout the course of the mediation.
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25 Jul, 2023 by Ty holler
Myndee and Chuck,
Thank you so much for helping us with our case. You were both professional, courteous and honest. You did the job you said you would do in a timely fashion. You truly cared about our famiy and what we were going through. We would not hesitate to recommend Lee Schwalb to anyone needing legal counsel.
Thanks again,
Ty and Paula Holler
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08 Aug, 2022 by Jasmine holloway
Myndee was no less than AMAZING. She helped me with my case quickly and made sure everything was accurate. Myndee was always available for any questions that I had, and I greatly appreciate her professionalism. I would definitely use her again!
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4.4
13 Reviews
4.7
62 Reviews
12 Dec, 2024 by Bill owens
11 Dec, 2024 by Bob paulsen
Very friendly and supportive.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Shawna paulsen
20 May, 2021 by Sarah
Ashlyn is five stars!!! A dear friend recommended Ashlyn to help navigate a dispute between my ex husband and myself. I was blown away by Ashlyn’s attention to detail and familiarity with the court system. When it came time for the trial I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pretty nervous. Once our trial began all those feelings quickly faded as I watched Ashlyn move into action. I completely trusted her and knew she was on top of everything. The professionalism and confidence was beaming. Ashlyn definitely knows her way around the court room and she isn’t afraid to show it. She was truly AHHMAZING! Needless to say we won. And we won BIG. I highly recommend Ashlyn and if I ever need anything in the future, I will be contacting her again.
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30 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
They say getting divorced is never easy. Add to that getting divorced after 10 plus years to a very mentally ill spouse during a pandemic. I could not have done it with out Ashlyn. During the consultation with Ashlyn she did something that she may not have even realized. She gave me hope, with her understanding of the mental illnesses that my ex spouse has. Ashlyn gave me hope by her experience being a guardian ad litem (an attorney representing the child and what the best interest is for the child.)
After she took my case, Ashlyn used her skills and ability to calm down the bull dog attorney that my spouse hired. In court Ashlyn represented me and my interests exactly, and was able to speed up the divorce process. (At that point my ex was stalling wanting to move forward.)
I pray that no one ever has to divorce their spouse. If they do, I hope that they are lucky enough to have Ashlyn or an attorney of her caliber represent them.
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18 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
I was very pleased with my experience working with this firm. Ashlyn represented me, and listened carefully to everything I told her about my family's situation. She and her paralegal worked diligently to make sure everything was resolved in a timely manner. All parties are satisfied, and we are now moving forward. I appreciate so much the time and attention taken to resolve the matter. Every step of the way, methods were offered to diffuse conflict. Knowing how traumatic separations can be, great care was taken to make this as painless as possible.
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27 Oct, 2017 by Steve
Penny was outstanding to work with during my divorce. She listened to what was really important to me and guided me through the process with facts. I really liked that Penny was always available to answer my questions. It did not matter if it was after hours during the week or the weekends, Penny was always there to help. She always made me feel that I was the most important client she was working with. Due to the size of our assets, I would ask Penny to run through different scenarios and advise me what was best. This was extremely helpful to me as I made decisions on how to handle asset division. As I child of divorce myself, it was extremely important to me that I did not become a “every other weekend Dad”. Penny understood how important that was to me so she fought for it and was able to get a 50/50 custody arrangement for me.
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14 Oct, 2017 by Sandy
Penny was wonderful during a difficult and complicated child custody case. She was readily available by phone for any questions I had and prepared for our many hearings through the process. She stuck by my side throughout my finally getting my son out of a bad environment and gaining sole custody.
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13 Oct, 2017 by Denny
I have worked with Penny on several occasions regarding various family legal issues over the past 10 years and have always found her to be top notch. She is very logical and methodical and takes the time to fully understand each situation so they can be approached in the best possible way. Penny is extremely knowledgeable and willing to work though all obstacles. I have referred her to a couple of friends that have all had the same positive experience. Penny has become my go-to person for all legal matters.
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10 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
Connie was sympathetic, calm & understanding and very capable. She kept things on track & moving forward. She respected my wishes on the overall approach & tone for this process. She recommended a financial resource who helped with the splitting of assets. At the end, she did several tasks for me & my ex because his attorney was slow & often confused. I requested the quickest, leanest approach & she did that while still ensuring my rights were protected. I highly recommend Connie as a divorce attorney.
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17 Jul, 2014 by Denise
I hired Connie as my attorney for my divorce. I was more than pleased with her complete knowledge of the law and the procedures involved. She was helpful, reliable and in the know at all times. It was something I really appreciated at such a difficult point in my life.
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02 Aug, 2016 by John
Lindsay impressed me from the first meeting. That day I was in a difficult situation and nerves were raw. But her warmth and humorous demeanor helped me keep my head straight, which set the tone for the whole process over the next few months. Mine was an unusual case that required Lindsay to research real estate law. When she crossed the limits of her own expertise she was able to admit as such and reach out to colleagues for answers. She allayed my own fears by encouraging me to recognize the value of taking the "high road" and treating everybody involved with dignity. In conclusion, I appreciated Lindsay's calm,
diligent, and meticulous manner in the face of some sketchy and unpredictable twists and turns.
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04 Jun, 2013 by Olivia
I have recommended Trent Besse on several occasions. He has helped me settle 2 workmen's comp cases, as well as one for my son. I like the way he keeps me informed with the progress of the case. He knows the law and makes solid recommendations to me. I am agreeable with the settlements he gets for me. I will call him again, in a heart beat.
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24 Nov, 2011 by Jessica. w
I like this lawyer he will sit with you and tell you anything and everything you want to hear, and its true. He will take all the time in the day and review your case he was a assistant district attorney for johnson county district court and he will call you and tell you the laws. GThanks !
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4.7
15 Reviews
4.0
4 Reviews
25 Feb, 2024 by P walton
05 Sep, 2023 by John
Kevin was the only one that called me back on a matter that was borderline small claims court. He took the time to walk through my case with me considering all aspects. I'll definitely be using him in the future should the need to rise. He's definitely worth a phone call!
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11 Apr, 2021 by Richard “rick” barry
07 Aug, 2017 by Aaron
I was a nervous wreck when I called Sarah Carmody's office. I had just been served divorce papers and other than a speeding ticket I had no experience with working with a lawyer. Attorney Carmody and her staff helped me feel at ease and explained the divorce process and fee schedule very well. I appreciated that Ms. Carmody helped to keep the proceedings on the "high road" and also that she helped me to laugh when the situation called for it. Ms. Carmody and her staff were very efficient and were able to help reach a settlement quickly. I appreciated her honesty and humor throughout the proceedings. I would definitely recommend Sarah Carmody Law, LLC when you need a divorce attorney.
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24 Oct, 2016 by Emma
I would highly recommend Sarah to anyone going through a divorce or custody case. I used her services a few years ago for my divorce and again more recently for my custody modification. She is highly knowledgeable about the process, deals in facts, and was able to help us find a resolution that was the best course of action for my son. Sarah did a spectacular job of offering feedback and keeping the lines of communication open. I trust her 100% and would recommend her to anyone, without reservation.
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07 Dec, 2015 by Reed
Sarah helped me through a very difficult and complex custody case. She spent the time to help me understand all of the procedures that we were going though. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal council. Thank you again for all you did!
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24 Jul, 2024 by Nathan kovac
Kramer knows what he is doing.
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07 Sep, 2023 by Liberty belle
14 Jul, 2022 by Lisa donnally
04 Jan, 2023 by William “vasilyzaitsev” warren
01 Mar, 2020 by Haley maas
Questions answered quickly and in a way I could understand
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27 Nov, 2018 by Chris rowe
Jennifer Hagg has been an absolute pleasure to work with. If you want an attorney that's going to tell you the truth, whether good or bad, as well as fight for you and what is important to you and your child, I highly recommend her. She helped me get my child support modified as well as adjustments made to our parenting plan. She has gone over and above for me and I'll never forget it!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Bill owens
11 Dec, 2024 by Bob paulsen
Very friendly and supportive.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Shawna paulsen
12 Dec, 2024 by Bill owens
11 Dec, 2024 by Bob paulsen
Very friendly and supportive.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Shawna paulsen
3.4
5 Reviews
5.0
12 Reviews
03 Jan, 2024 by Mary zion
Very professional and helpful with their knowledge of information you need to know about trusts over wills.
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03 Jan, 2024 by Jo ann clement
03 Jan, 2024 by Ed dale
Paths Law Firm, without question, is the wisest choice for help with my Family's Elder Law Legal needs.
From the initial informational meeting, I knew paths Law Firm was going to be an asset in developing a "Path" that my Family could follow to meet our Trust, and Power of Attorney needs.
Russell's understanding and care about our Family's situation and his unprecedented knowledge of the correct legal requirements were only the beginning. He was so kind that he even made a house call.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Brandon griffith
Best Lawyers in the K.C. Metro!!
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07 Feb, 2024 by Thomas gennarelli
David Fairbanks has been amazing leading and guiding me on my divorce journey! I highly recommended him and his firm. I actually provided his information just an hour ago to a personal friend who is just starting his own process!
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22 Jan, 2024 by Salbol11
I hired John DeMarco to represent my interests involved in a meritless elder abuse case, which ended up being dismissed for lack of finding. John did the legwork behind the scenes to find out if this was going down the road of prosecution, and leveraged his relationships to discover charges weren't going to be filed - and not to communicate with repeated requests from state agencies and police. I appreciated his aggressive approach at protecting my interests, and how candid and straight forward he handled my work. I've recommended others to him as well.
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14 Dec, 2024 by Kathy wolfe
Although discussing the end of life, including setting up a Trust, can be uncomfortable, Marian and Amanda, along with their team, made the process feel painless and understandable. From the beginning to the end, they answered all our questions with knowledge and patience. They are very organized and professional, while being friendly and approachable. I highly recommend this firm for all your needs regarding putting a trust together with confidence, knowing they put the work into ensuring your wishes will be carried out just as you desire. and covering different scenarios which could occur upon you or your spouse’s passing. I would definitely recommend them and have suggested this firm to several friends looking to set up a trust.
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27 Nov, 2024 by Bobbie miller
27 Nov, 2024 by Troy schepmann
01 Nov, 2024 by Amanda
They are over priced and took advantage of me being a single mom while I was very vulnerable. I could have and should have just done my divorce case myself because they promised it wouldn’t be more than my retainer and I’m still paying over a year later.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Dylan hensley
Needed advise on an issue with a contractor and they helped answer all my questions. Very responsive to requests and just an overall easy experience. I will be using them in the future if I need help again.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Shilpa a
Grant Williams did our Estate Planning. Since we are immigrants , this was relatively new to us. Hence ,we had lot of questions at different points of time, and Grant was very responsive & patient in answering them. It was at least a few months before we even stopped by his office to do our signatures. He was very understanding and helped address our questions and requests for custom tweaks in the documents along the way! We will definitely recommend him to our friends. It was wonderful working with you! Thanks again William !
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06 Dec, 2024 by Erica berry
Mr.Wellman is absolutely wonderful ! He helped me with my bankruptcy and was very patient and supportive of me and everything I was going through . He always responded to me and communicated well . He never treated me like he was too busy like some attorneys do . One of the biggest things I’m grateful for was his ability to communicate and clarify things in a way where I could understand . I will always recommend him and use him for all future legal matters . Best attorney in KC !!!
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05 Sep, 2024 by Trevon green
After paying Mark Jeffers nearly 10k for my child custody case and having the case go almost a year with him as my attorney, he decided to withdraw as my attorney at the most crucial point in my case because it was not going perfectly. He made my image in front of the judge worse by withdrawing and left me to spend several thousand more to retain a new attorney. Both my child and myself have suffered additionally because of him and i would highly suggest that anyone that values their time, money and custody of their child never consider hiring Mark Jeffers as their counsel.
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11 Nov, 2023 by Denise miller
I hired Brandon Laster, as my Divorce Attorney! He was outstanding on every level. He was always straight forward with me from the start! He was caring considering my circumstances as a mother and not sure of the process!. I struggled and he was always there to advise me . He would always text me back as soon as he could knowing I was upset! With Brandon being my Attorney I was able to get through the nightmare! I was able to keep my daughter in her home! Thanks, Brandon! I so appreciate everything you have done for my daughter and I. You want a lawyer who truly cares about his clients! Brandon is the lawyer for you!
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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.
