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10 Sep, 2024 by Megan tice
We Lost A Baby Due To Medical Malpractice. Greg , Morgan & Maryann Helped Us Tremendously To Fight For What Was Right For Our Angel Baby When We Couldn’t Do It Ourselves !! I Would Highly Recommend These Guys !! Thank You So Much For Helping Not Only Us But Our Future Kids !! ❤️
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17 Jul, 2024 by Anthony beneduce
As a fellow attorney, I have had the privilege of referring several cases to Lindsey Gale, particularly in the area of nursing home abuse. Each time, I am thoroughly impressed with the professionalism, dedication, and expertise demonstrated by Lindsey and her entire team. My clients have consistently reported back with high praise, appreciating the compassionate and thorough approach Lindsey takes with their cases. It's clear that Lindsey has a deep commitment to seeking justice for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, ensuring they receive the representation and support they deserve. I confidently recommend Lindsey Gale and Domnick, Cunningham & Yaffa to anyone in need of a skilled and caring attorney in the field of nursing home abuse. Their work ethic, integrity, and results speak volumes. Thank you, Lindsey, for your exceptional service and dedication. It is always a pleasure to refer clients to you, knowing they are in the best hands.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Sandra v
My family and I have been clients of attorney Timothy D. Groves for a few years and we have never been disappointed. His professionalism, dedication and compassion is next to none. Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa has gained an exceptional addition to their firm.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Sierra
I can not thank Marie and her team enough. I have been with this firm since 2016. Unfortunately having to go through the legal system 3 times within these years due to my son’s father’s negligence, not communicating and not protecting our son. I was blessed to have Marie by my side every step of the way. Before I chose Marie , I went to several attorneys from Miami to West Palm Beach. Knowing that there was a good chance I’d have to pay a pretty penny, I needed to feel comfortable with who I chose to have in my corner for many reasons. Is this person professional, reliable, knows the law, efficient, straight shooter, there for me in the event of an emergency, and more importantly wants the best for my child. At the time I was a single mother working to provide for my son with zero help from my son’s father. Marie made it easy for me to make payments which was a huge concern of mine. Marie crossed off all these boxes for me. I needed to protect my son. The truth shall prevail as it always does. Thank you Marie , thank you team!!
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10 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I have detailed evidence this lawyer uses vulnerable people with lots of money to perpetrate legal domestic abuse. She is a showman and does abusive lawyering, called papering. She has ruined multiple lives due to her brand of lawyering. The bar and Tallahassee have been told about her and have demonstrated how abusive her tactics are for fame and money and 5 star reviews. If you want scorched earth tactics to psychologically abuse family members, this is your firm! We had to pay thousands to undue her damage - her firm causes personal injury. Legal domestic abuse - this is not a trauma informed firm.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Matt
Marie is the most knowledgeable family attorney I know and I interviewed 5 local attorneys for my case. No BS, Marie doesn't pad her bill with needless depositions or time wasters. She tries to make the process as efficient as possible for both the client and judges involved. I was very pleased with her services for my divorce, I would highly recommend her.
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03 Mar, 2022 by Claire
I hired Ms. Allison to represent me for a feeling case after speaking to her I felt that she understood me. At the beginning everything was great, I paid the retainer fees and roughly a week later communication with her became impossible. When I finally get in touch with her she would forgets important key information about my case, I ended up dealing with dcf alone as regard to getting my child back. Fast forward to court date, the first one she missed. No calls no shows. The judge reschedule once again no shows. Strangely each time we have court dates she would disappear and claimed to have been in the hospital. I tried firing her but she pleaded with me not to, being young and dumb I retracted my statement and allowed her to continue to represent me. Thankfully the state didn't have much to go on with, they offered me to classes and they will close the case... great I accepted however she had to sign the papers stating that we agreed once again she's a no-show, no calls. The case dragged on for another 2 months at this point the judge is getting frustrated with us and turned around and asked "if I wanted a public defender" I accepted and we signed papers and closed it. Ms. Allison failed to do her job as an attorney, the moment she got the money everything changes. She's careless and negligent. I wouldn't recommend her for nothing. I even filed a complaint with the board, this woman have zero business in the courtroom or practicing law.
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10 Mar, 2021 by Jessica
Mrs. Allison Kelliher did an excellent job representing me in a very serious criminal case where I was facing a significant amount of prison time. Allison's excellent legal work together with the obvious respect the Judge and Prosecutor had for her unquestionably led to my very positive legal outcome. Allison is transparent, diligent, responsive, and very eloquent in court. I am very happy with my decision to hire her.
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21 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
Never answers texts/calls when you need questions answered especially when you call so many times. Not sure if she really even cares
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16 Jun, 2024 by Tim
Roni from day 1 was the best lawyer experience I have had. She gave me a fair price and walked me through the whole process. I got the judgement I was looking for with no BS. Quick and easy!. I highly recommend using Roni for your lawyer needs.
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05 Jun, 2023 by Miguel
I am very satisfied with Mrs. Devack assitance in my divorce case, which was not an easy process, she represented me far and beyond my expectation, we had an excellent comunication, very prompt to contact me back every time I reached out to her . Very knowledgeable and efficient.
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13 May, 2015 by Mary
I want to say she is in this business for money, not eager to help the clients. I was even charged for the text message I sent to her, asking for the update on the case, which she never even responded. A lot of emails went ignored. I feel before hiring her, she was very good at responding to emails ( of course, she was trying to catch Fish) and also after I told her that I no longer need services, she was emailing me even over the weekend ( perhaps because I owed her $200 at the time of discharging her) She negotiated to schedule a mediation withe the other party before all the documents were turned in by the opposing party, ( so she can get money for her time to attend the mediation) when I told her I will not be attending the mediation, of course I was charged for her time to contact the opposing councel regarding it. The plaintiff failed to provide tax returns which was required by court order, she kept forwarding me 1099 and independent contractor work checks from the plaintiff and I repeatedly had to explain to her this is not tax return. This , to me, appears like a regular proceeding procedure in a court case involving a child. When you figure out the child support amount, both parties need to submit tax returns because child support is based on how much each party makes and also how much time the child spends with each parent. The fact I had to remind her what the plaintiff was sending to her email was not tax return, is not acceptable as I am sure she handled many cases like this, and one 1099 does not show how much money that person made. ( he could have worked for more than one person that year). Now I think about it, she was charging me for the time she spent reading my email ( telling her that it was not a valid acceptable statement for this case as we needed tax returns, not 1099's) so she was probably doing that on purpose. Going through court case for your child is a tiring process. and to have someone who is strictly in for money, and that is all she cares makes the case a lot more tiring. I hope there are lawyers who are in the business not just for money, but have passion to help people out there, UNLIKE Ms Roni Devack.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Chris zill
Boyes, Farina & Matwiczyk has very knowledgeable attorneys who want the best for their clients, whether it is estate planning, probate or litigation. Would highly recommend for anyone seeking skilled professionals.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Zeely z.
I don't live in this county but called for general info and spoke with a lady by the name of Marina. Her professionalism was impressive her demeanor cool, calm an collective. She didn't rush me off the phone, but instead kindly listened to my concern and pointed me in the right direction. I remember when every professional law office conducted business on this level not, anymore. This is what amazed me by this employee...her kindness and great people skills!
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22 Jun, 2023 by Jolene' herndon
Strange email response. Dismissive and without explanation. We have a trust we need amended, and instead of calling me, they had a secretary take information and then sent a refusal letter. You cannot write a trust? Very odd. No worries, we found counsel 2 blocks from you that already started on it. Bizarre!
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29 Sep, 2023 by Yarvis
Look elsewhere do not hire him! Extremely unprofessional, rude and cocky. Have had better experiences with other attorneys.
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06 Jul, 2023 by Adam
Very bad lawyer don’t hire him he does not know what he is doing and isn’t what he says he is
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10 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I have been dealing with a narcissist ex for four years and my case is without a doubt a high conflict case. I honestly had lost hope in the crooked system. And Ryan has listened to my concerns, has cared about my daughters' concerns and has been so excellent. Aggressive and smart attorney. Also if he does not pick up the phone after hours, then his father who is also a great attorney picks up the phone, so you get two attorneys..yea pretty cool and Rebecca their assistant is also fantastic. Great office. Honestly so blessed to have them. I have hired and consulted with other horrible attorneys who claim to be so "good" but the other attorneys did not let me talk and were NOT at all good at the time of action. Please Do not waste your money with other sloppy attorneys, please help yourself and hire RYAN!. Trust me, my case is probably one of the worst and Ryan and his dad have been able to help. Thank GOD!
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

  • Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
  • Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
  • Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
  • Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
  • Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
  • Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
  • Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
  • Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
  • Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
  • Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
  • Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
  • Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

  • Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
  • Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
  • Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

  • Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
  • Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
  • Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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