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08 Aug, 2018 by Aaron
Amy took the time to look over my case prior to our first consultation. She has continuously shown a personal care throughout that I have not seen before. Most impressive is her meticulous attention to detail. She truly has her clients' interests and wishes in mind and works to that end. I can't praise her highly enough. If you are looking for an attorney that cares about you and wants to truly help, look no further!!
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07 May, 2018 by Diana
Ms Elliott represented us in a probate matter and she was excellent. She educated us and navigated us through the delicate process of resolving our parents' estate. She was dedicated, consistent, and timely in getting us through the court process. I would recommend Ms. Elliott for all your legal needs.
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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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12 Jul, 2013 by Tom
Chris is very good at explaining the law so you understand it. He will do everything he can to win your case. Trust me this is the guy you want in your corner if you are a dad who wants to be part of your kids lives.
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09 Oct, 2019 by Jon
I hired Adam for a probation violation and a theft charge. I had miss court due to prolonged medical problems, the prosecutor told me that this wasn't an excuse for miss court and want ed me to serve out my two year sentence. Adam was able to convince the judge to reinstate probation instead. I also had another case at the same time which had the same issues and again he got me probation. He is personable and a friendly guy, which to me is very important. I would definitely give him a call again if I ever need a lawyer for anything else.
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13 Feb, 2024 by David massie
23 Oct, 2023 by Luke town
It's nice having attorneys who actually care about you.
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03 Aug, 2023 by David mckune
Excellent firm with knowledgeable, detailed, and friendly staff for establishing complex Last Will and Testament and Trusts. Kelly is awesome!!
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13 Feb, 2024 by David massie
23 Oct, 2023 by Luke town
It's nice having attorneys who actually care about you.
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03 Aug, 2023 by David mckune
Excellent firm with knowledgeable, detailed, and friendly staff for establishing complex Last Will and Testament and Trusts. Kelly is awesome!!
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04 Aug, 2024 by Tammy rollins
He has done so much for us! Love him!
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29 Sep, 2023 by Tanya schupbach
Kris Kuckelman is a wonderful reliable attorney. He wrote our wills and durable power attorney 23 years ago,formated in such a way to easily select various ones issued. And yesterday had to contact him for more paperwork as a money market savings bank, in another state ,was requesting for me to be power of attorney over my husband's account ,for his illness.
He got it to me the SAME DAY !! Thank you and 32 year office support Natalie McGrath !!!
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13 Sep, 2023 by Fabian shepard
Sound legal counsel and he listened well to understand all details of our matter.
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1.0
1 Reviews
4.8
96 Reviews
02 Mar, 2025 by Ross opfer
Very professional, fun to deal with
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02 Mar, 2025 by B f
Very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
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02 Mar, 2025 by Barry white
Sarah and Palmer were most helpful informative as well as being very professional. Would highly recommend their services.
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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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22 Sep, 2024 by Kevin holmes
I’ve sat on this review for months now. I typically just don’t say anything if it’s bad, but it’s been on my mind and heart for months now. An attorney is supposed to be an advocate and protect your best interest. Mine did anything but. The only thing protected was his pockets. A case that I could’ve settled with the other party for $7500 ended up costing me nearly three times that amount.
Here are just a few examples of why I will never recommend this firm. During my initial consultation and once I paid the retainer fee, I provided the name, D.O.B., phone number and place of employment for the other party. Three months retaining I receive an email from my lawyer, telling me they are unable to find her. Can I help by providing any information on where she works. So ,I’m being billed for a search that wasn’t even necessary.
Once we had our court hearing, the judge failed to render any decision – implying my attorney didn’t do his due diligence in contacting the other party for the quit claim issue – thus pushing the issue down the road and racking up more legal fees.
There were many instances when I would receive a text, email or phone call telling me the exact same thing – only to bill me for all three methods of correspondence. Yet my emails and phone calls were oftentimes not returned in a prompt fashion.
And again by the time we finally settled the issue, it cost me nearly 20 grand – largely due to no one actually acting as an advocate on my behalf.
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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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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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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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31 Aug, 2023 by Austin mitts
He was extremely knowledgeable, professional and helpful.
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08 Aug, 2023 by Jarrell curne
the attorney had 2 meetings with me for a hour each and a hour phone call to a prosecutor, forgets everything i tell him, wrongfully stated some amount should be double, and told me he had not reviewed everything I gave him but that I used 17 hours. The attorney is dishonest and giving me a opinion to do something illegal.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Leo male
3.0
6 Reviews
4.7
28 Reviews
16 Nov, 2024 by Tonika benson
Working with the Bright Family was an absolute pleasure. They eased every step of the process and helped me navigate it with clarity and confidence. They took the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring I fully understood each aspect. Dee, Christy, Michael, Kimberly, and Mary were all incredibly helpful throughout the entire experience. Their kindness, consideration, and personable approach made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone seeking a team that truly cares and goes above and beyond to support their clients.
Thank you so much!!
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14 Oct, 2024 by Steven gonzalez
Wow, what an amazing team at Bright Family. Brandon is an amazing person and truly cares. Thank you.
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22 Sep, 2024 by Kyle ray
ATTENTION: DO NOT hire this family law firm! SAVE YOURSELF!
I came here to hire a 'Christian law firm' I did not see a spec of that being the case as I'll explain... it was very misleading. And this really offended me too.
For readers knowledge, I have a very long history of experiences with attorneys in various specialities. (Probably around 20, would have to count)
I have had multiple family law attorneys in the past retained for multiple years, a few of them you can look up my Google reviews, which are both positive as well as the majority of the rest of my reviews. - just to establish credibility to readers reading this because the bright family law firm will certainly try to damage control the horrendous experience I had here. (I now understand their bad reviews!)
I'm a pretty forgiving guy but It was one thing after another but the second I walked in the door I was clearly instantly assumed the 'bad guy' (despite my ex's neverending litigation history that never goes anywhere, aka, it's 99% bologna) Constant negative affirmations.
More specifically was the fear mongering and belittling of me. For example, 'I am a bigger guy and therefore because of my body type I'm scary to the Court.' - they literally told me that!
Their first comments were unbelievably pessimistic, I was going to lose from day one. (You want an attorney that's instantly confident you will win!)
The most baffling thing for me personally that absolutely infuriated me:
When I brought up my 8yo son complaining repeatedly of chest pains for years now after being given an experimental drug that's known to be causing heart problems... what was their immediate initial response?
Munchausen syndrome! - they instantly ASSUMED I was just lying about my son's health problems! Holy cow! They are straight up dangerous! If you have a child with health problems this is not the place to come!
They made me repeatedly feel 2 inches tall. And I think by design. I think their clients are probably getting the same treatment in that they're filled with fear that they're definitely going to lose without them! - truth is, after firing this firm I went to my hearing by myself and represented myself and WON.
The final straw that I finally decided to fire them was after they locked my credit card for trying to repeatedly run my card for ballpark in the thousands of dollars range WITHOUT EVEN HAVING THE COURTESY OF ASKING ME BEFORE RUNNING IT. -out of all the attorneys I've ever had, this is the only firm who did not confirm with me before charging one of my credit cards for thousands of dollars. So unprofessional. WENT TO GO USE MY CREDIT CARD AND IT WAS LOCKED WHEN I REALLY NEEDED IT! - and that's sadly how I had to discover this.
NOW, after all of that, they charged me almost $6000 to file ONE motion response. You know what's funny about that? The opposing party in these matters (the offense) requested reimbursements for her attorney fees of $2300!!! - THE BRIGHT FAMILY LAW FIRM CHARGES ME 2.5X what the opposing party's attorney charged for the same service!!
$6000 for ONE motion response filed!!! That's called THEFT. That's 3X the price I was charged by my former attorneys for the same amount of work in the past. It was so apparent when they were trying to call me everyday just to rack up my bill, I was avoiding answering because the attorney would call me and just completely ramble about things that my former family law attorneys never wasted time doing or trying to bill me for. They seemed to be intentionally wasting my money. "We need to talk about these things for 60 minutes" (could be entirely covered in a 5 minute email, instead I'm charged $680 for a single phone call!) Clearly cookin' the books.
I had planned to post pictures of the 2 invoices but decided I should not.
The 2 bills were:
$2245
&
$5930 !!!
Moral of the story, if you hire these guys you will have an exceptionally poor experience and be charged nearly 3x what other comparable attorneys charge for the same services.
BEWARE- this is all I can do to help you!
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06 May, 2024 by Tyler billington
Jeff is as good as it gets. He is knowledgeable and a great guy to have in your corner!
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03 May, 2024 by Luke wade
I’ve been working with Jeff for over a decade and not only is he an amazing lawyer but he’s helped consult me on many businesses and agreements while looking out for me. He truly is an entrepreneur’s lawyer and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else.
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01 May, 2024 by Christian jones
If you're looking for a lawyer in KC, you've found your guy. Jeff is easy to work with, incredibly helpful and also did great work for me on a few fronts. I'd recommend him to any one in my network.
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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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18 Sep, 2024 by Peter cabell
Mr Perelmuter has provided me with good advice and suggestions to approach the arduous process of legal immigration my daughter and her husband have faced. I have so much appreciated his straightforward and honest guidance.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Barbara baker
16 Jul, 2024 by Z daniel a t
14 Jul, 2024 by Hilder njoroge
12 Jun, 2024 by Sandra liliana garcia flores
08 Mar, 2024 by Jerry young
Best attorney ever
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23 Sep, 2023 by Aaron zack
Tom Wagstaff has been our “outside” General Counsel for more than 10 years! He is a trusted advisor, incredible legal mind and most of all a true friend! As we continue to scale our business we are fortunate to have Tom on our team.
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23 Sep, 2023 by Sean keith
I have known and shared cases with Tom Wagstaff and his team for more than ten years. He is likely the most thorough and meticulous attorney I have ever worked with in my 30 years of practicing law. He has been instrumental in obtaining multiple multi million dollar settlements.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jerry young
Best attorney ever
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23 Sep, 2023 by Aaron zack
Tom Wagstaff has been our “outside” General Counsel for more than 10 years! He is a trusted advisor, incredible legal mind and most of all a true friend! As we continue to scale our business we are fortunate to have Tom on our team.
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23 Sep, 2023 by Sean keith
I have known and shared cases with Tom Wagstaff and his team for more than ten years. He is likely the most thorough and meticulous attorney I have ever worked with in my 30 years of practicing law. He has been instrumental in obtaining multiple multi million dollar settlements.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Rachel smith
Sheila and her team do a great job taking care of our business needs. Highly recommend.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Jeff pierce
Dana and all of her staff are amazing. Wife emailed me without any warning she was leaving after 30 years. Dana was able to help get me back on my feet and fought for me every step of the way. As with most things in life, stay organized with all your paperwork and strategy and Dana will do the rest. She also was very conscious of communication to help optimize amount of billable hours. Highly recommended!!
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10 May, 2024 by Steven hirsch
So, I actually interacted mostly with the Topeka office, and a remote assistant, after my initial consultation at their Lawrence location. I never had a problem with getting immediate responses to my questions as they popped up. Everything that needed to be done was handled in a timely and professional manner... I never felt uninformed or caught off guard. The fees were very reasonable for the amount of work they had to do, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this firm. They're good people and they know what they are doing.
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30 Nov, 2023 by Lisa burke-mata
Dennis Clyde is a fine, honorable individual.
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08 Sep, 2023 by Kristin filardo
27 Apr, 2023 by Delon pirtle
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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22 Sep, 2024 by Kevin holmes
I’ve sat on this review for months now. I typically just don’t say anything if it’s bad, but it’s been on my mind and heart for months now. An attorney is supposed to be an advocate and protect your best interest. Mine did anything but. The only thing protected was his pockets. A case that I could’ve settled with the other party for $7500 ended up costing me nearly three times that amount.
Here are just a few examples of why I will never recommend this firm. During my initial consultation and once I paid the retainer fee, I provided the name, D.O.B., phone number and place of employment for the other party. Three months retaining I receive an email from my lawyer, telling me they are unable to find her. Can I help by providing any information on where she works. So ,I’m being billed for a search that wasn’t even necessary.
Once we had our court hearing, the judge failed to render any decision – implying my attorney didn’t do his due diligence in contacting the other party for the quit claim issue – thus pushing the issue down the road and racking up more legal fees.
There were many instances when I would receive a text, email or phone call telling me the exact same thing – only to bill me for all three methods of correspondence. Yet my emails and phone calls were oftentimes not returned in a prompt fashion.
And again by the time we finally settled the issue, it cost me nearly 20 grand – largely due to no one actually acting as an advocate on my behalf.
Read more
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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24 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I first meet with Ryan for a consult a year before deciding to file for divorce. The advice he gave during that first meeting and every meeting since turned out to be priceless. Even the advice i didn't take. I had a complex/tough case and was amazed at what he was able to accomplish. Not only was he able to get emergency temporary change of custody orders approved while the judge in our case was out of town, he was accurate when setting my expectations as to what can and can't be done. After witnessing him in court arguing on my behalf against other very competent attorneys, I can attest to his ability to get results in such a way that I doubt there would have been any other attorney that would have been able to get as good or a better result. The judge in our case even took time to thank him for his procedural excellence and mentioned that he was the first person to accurately present using the correct procedure. I didn't understand it all but the judge made a big deal and praised him for it. My family was blessed to have had him on our side and i will be grateful to him for years to come.
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19 Dec, 2017 by Rachel
Ryan was fantastic, nothing but professional and fair. He gives it to you straight without all the fluff and extras you don't need. Would hire again in a second and highly recommend to anyone needing an attorney in this area.
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18 Dec, 2017 by Amber
Ryan represented me in my divorce case. He, and his team are responsive, knowledgeable, and will always work to make sure you understand everything. I highly recommend them. Ryan presents well in a court room and the staff at the court house seem to have a high level of respect for him. I would strongly encourage you to hire Ryan & his team for your divorce case.
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3.0
2 Reviews
5.0
4 Reviews
21 Jun, 2023 by Mark mcclure
The phone number is not up-to-date. Please update.
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25 Oct, 2022 by Dusty g
Paul has been extremely kind and professional throughout my time working with him. He's thorough and patient, and he ensures we are making informed decisions every step of the way. My wife and I are grateful for the work he has done to help us. We highly recommend his services.
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21 May, 2022 by Court
Consulted with Ms. Benson-Hebberd to ask questions about a family matter and found her to be professional and empathetic to the situation I was in. I had several very specific questions that I needed guidance on, and felt that she was able to answer them clearly and in a way that gave me a lot of peace of mind moving forward. She followed up with a list of recommended resources for me.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Phanon gilbert
05 Nov, 2024 by Jacki alsup
I've worked with Charlie for many years. He's represented my business partner and I both personally and with multiple businesses. He brings a wealth of knowledge to all topics and is great to work with. I recommend him all the time!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Jim essington
Mr. Hyland was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He understood my issues and was very efficient at resolving in my favor. He was easy to talk to and thoroughly understood the laws that related to my cases. I highly recommend Mr. Hyland and will continue to have him represent us whenever needed in the future.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Miguel padilla
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
22 Nov, 2024 by Phanon gilbert
05 Nov, 2024 by Jacki alsup
I've worked with Charlie for many years. He's represented my business partner and I both personally and with multiple businesses. He brings a wealth of knowledge to all topics and is great to work with. I recommend him all the time!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Jim essington
Mr. Hyland was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He understood my issues and was very efficient at resolving in my favor. He was easy to talk to and thoroughly understood the laws that related to my cases. I highly recommend Mr. Hyland and will continue to have him represent us whenever needed in the future.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Brett pitts
Great service ... Gets the outcome you want ..
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08 Jul, 2024 by Robin sirna
Great attorney for a multitude of issues. Have had him in my call list for over 10 years
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08 Jul, 2024 by Gabriella pomales-moody
Frank is super condescending, and deceiving. He will act like he cares about your situation but after you pay him (A lot) to represent you in court he just completely switches his persona. He tried to persuade me to face my charge rather than go on diversion, which every lawyer I spoke to besides him said to NEVER not take diversion if it’s offered to you. He didn’t even save my number to his phone after I hired him to represent me in court after 8 months.. became hostile when I was confused on things that as a lawyer, should explain however many times necessary to their client. HE DOES NOT HAVE YOUR BEST INTEREST! Just cares about the money and to get it over with.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Phanon gilbert
05 Nov, 2024 by Jacki alsup
I've worked with Charlie for many years. He's represented my business partner and I both personally and with multiple businesses. He brings a wealth of knowledge to all topics and is great to work with. I recommend him all the time!
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30 Oct, 2024 by Jim essington
Mr. Hyland was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He understood my issues and was very efficient at resolving in my favor. He was easy to talk to and thoroughly understood the laws that related to my cases. I highly recommend Mr. Hyland and will continue to have him represent us whenever needed in the future.
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12 Jun, 2018 by Ward
This firm helped me win my disability case. They are experienced, professional, pleasant, and they definitely know what they are doing. I give them my highest recommendation.
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12 Sep, 2017 by Holly bollinger (secrest)
He spoke down to me. He did absolutely NOTHING for my custody case, He prolonged me seeing my children for seven months before I finally got a real lawyer who does their job. In five weeks after hiring another attorney I was reunited with my kids AND under the terms I wanted. Rian literally laughed in my face and told me that wouldnt happen. FIRED AND NEVER RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYBODY THAT I ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT. Smug and arrogant jerk
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12 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Than to represent me in my divorce case. He seemed knowledgeable, available and willing to go to bat for me at first. Then after receiving my retainer, it would take him a week to respond to emails.
He became interested in taking the path of least resistance and even after communicating serious concerns about my former spouse, he acted nonplussed. It came to the point where I felt as if I had to convince him to stand up for my rights, rather than him looking for ways to represent me.
Unfortunately, I had to fire him when it became clear he had a previous working relationship with another attorney who was representing my ex spouse, which caused a conflict of interest.
Even after I fired him and he filed the papers to withdraw representation on my case, he still was in contact with the attorneys representing my ex spouse. Rian, on two separate occasions, attempted to reinsert himself into my case and handled my personal and financial information with other parties. This lead me to have to reach out to the Missouri and Kansas State Bar associations.
I cannot in good conscious, recommend Rian as an attorney.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Tina berry
Ok .SOOO I've been burnt by the others all of them...the court appointed attorneys forced upon me have all failed miserably...this man seems very skilled in his area of law..SO I WILL HOPE FOR THE BEST IN MY APPEAL TO THE DISHONORABLE JUDGE SLOAN..p.s...i call back all my powers and please spread love not hate
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15 Oct, 2024 by Xander xan
These reviews and score are completely fake. Somehow he managed to get all negative reviews removed and hide his theft from his clients.
Robbed me of 3k
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11 Oct, 2024 by Iii jui
Well MY RIGHTS BETTER NOT GET VIOLATED..AND I WANT MY CHILD RETURNED..IF YA LIKE MONEY WELL KVC LAWYER ALREADY REQUESTED INFO ON DAMAGES..SO SOUNDS LIKE THIS GUY MIGHT HELP . PLEASE DONT DO A THAT GUY WHO DIED...OR THE ONES WHO HELPED THE COURT AND WHOEVER HOLD MY CHILD HOSTAGE...CURSE ALL U ...SORRY SAD SOULS...YOUR WAYS ARE NOT CORRECT...AND MY CHILD IS SUFFERING
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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.
