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20 Jun, 2024 by Summer
Ms. Buonocore was first introduced to me almost 20 years ago and her aptitude is beyond measure. Analytical and sharp as a razor, she has a surgical understanding of the law and decades of experience in its application.
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14 May, 2012 by Jose
One of the elite attorney by far She is great and very intelligent, as well as honest. This attorney will not disappoint you. Thanks Regina for all your help.
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05 Dec, 2022 by Robert "buddy" stewart
I dont believe the one bad review for Joe on here, Joe is an amazing lawyer who actually cares, Mr. Capone definitely had my back and provided comfort and got me the results I needed to continue my everyday life. You'd be foolish not to hire Joe Capone!
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04 Apr, 2015 by D.bell
The man is beyond great.I have had enough good and bad to know over the years He and only two others in his league in 30 years.He is professional,suave,ethical and down to earth.He can make a phone call and poof!Magical touch.Amazing! He representedy son on false charges against him,and needless to say:Withdrawn.God Bless you,Mr. Capone.
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23 Aug, 2012 by Andrew
Michael has worked with me on many cases in the child protective services and appellate areas. He has never been less than extremely prepared, versed in the law and effective in his presentation. His role as a City Solicitor means that he has represented me in cases in Family Court of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania for over five years. I have never been less than completely satisfied with his representation of me and my child protective services department.
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07 Mar, 2017 by Raphael
Patricia made me feel comfortable in the midst of chaos. When she was not available, she always took the time to return my calls and patiently and meticulously explained the details impacting our situation. I enthusiastically recommend her to represent anyone needing a family law attorney.
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10 Jul, 2020 by Bee
I had no idea my case was almost getting me deported. Thanks to her I got my case reverted and happy to say now I get to be with my kids and husband. Thank you for going above and beyond. The late night calls and the tears shed in your office which you allowed was all because you were there to help and not to benefit from your client. Thank you!
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01 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous
Mr. Toll got me money for my case and we never even had to go to court. He understood my pain and suffering and made every step of the process easy.
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22 Sep, 2013 by Lisa
I used her services for my divorce in 2001. She was with me every step of the way. Pricing was fair and she was willing to work with me as far as deadlines for payments. Her help and understanding were invaluable.. I still recommend her when my friends and family need legal assistance.I
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28 Jun, 2021 by Laura santana
19 May, 2021 by Carmen maldonado
04 Dec, 2020 by Dana sarne
13 Nov, 2024 by James st patrick
Great lawyer he listens, he gives the great advice pretty fair overall most importantly he works for you
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16 Oct, 2024 by Stephanie k
Keith was an amazing lawyer and made sure I understood everything and the process of everything and his staff was very helpful as well ..thanks again Keith and staff
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13 Oct, 2024 by Gerald goldsman
I was very happy with the service and dedication Attorney Kofsky and his team provided. I highly recommend his practice for anyone looking for legal help.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Mark
Pat is a highly knowledgeable and compassionate family law attorney. Handles cases with professionalism and care, ensuring the best outcomes for his clients. Highly recommend!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Richard m
Pat Cooper has the experience, expertise and communication skills that deliver favorable results. Pat's familiarity with Philadelphia's courts and judges proved invaluable.
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23 Jan, 2025 by Kimberly hampton
30 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
The attorney that handled my case was confident, proficient & professional. The two admins that I dealt with at the office were knowledgeable & helpful. I was nervous because this was the first time I had to go to court but I was relieved when it was over & it turned out better than i thought it would.
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29 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Secretary hung up on me for crying and asking questions about a case. Would not let me to speak anyone after. Thanks for nothing.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I had a horrible problem with mice at my last apartment and my landlord was unwilling to resolve the issue. I had just renewed my lease weeks before this became an issue. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get out of my lease without help, so I called Jeffrey. He was very quick to answer email and phone messages and worked very hard to get me out of my lease. I have lived happily at my new apartment ever since.
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25 Nov, 2024 by S m
I will forever be grateful to the Lento Law Firm for their help. I experienced what could have been a career derailment when a retaliatory ex manager decided to go after me with unsubstantiated accusations. With the support, advice and representation of Mr Adams from this firm, the case was dismissed. Do not risk your livelihood by taking on any board, panel or committee without representation. I hope to never need this firm again but absolutely would make them my first call should I ever find the need!!
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23 Oct, 2024 by Nick delpopolo
He worked hard for me he was that da best!!
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11 Oct, 2024 by Shen jiangchuan
This law group is, in my point of view, a scam group. They responded to you pretty well for initial contact and payment collection, however, they disappeared later. They took 15k from me and wrote me a demanding letter based on my personal narratives. Since then, I never had any updates, however hard I tried to set up a communication. Very disappointing experience. So after almost 10 months, I requested that the service fee to be refunded and one more time, they disappeared. My life needs to move on with more important aspect and I had unsuccessful experience searching for legal service from Lento's and so should you not consider hiring them. Terrell Ratliff was the so called attorney that was assigned to me and he is horrible. He doesn't seem to have any professional competence for what he is doing and nor does he care about customer, very cocky. Stay away.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Annie
As a Pennsylvania licensed adoption agency, we have collaborated frequently with Liz Vaysman. She is dedicated, thorough, and a pleasure to work with!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Angelo stromlan
We were quite disappointed in our interactions with Liz Vaysman. We contracted her for a consultation phone call, which was a limited engagement, of which we were entirely aware of. In our experience, if you hire Liz, be prepared for defensiveness, an inability to listen, and a combative atmosphere from the outset.
However, Liz spent way too much time on the call itself explaining over and over how limited our engagement was. We stopped the whole conversation to make a clear point that we were NOT interested in taking advantage of her in any way, and we clearly understood the engagement.
This was apparently not heard, and she continued to make this point over and over while we tried to salvage the conversation and get clear legal guidance for our money.
We wanted to record the session, so none of the important information we received would be forgotten by us, considering we are very busy and not lawyers. But Liz didn’t allow that. We were fine her reasoning, and we all agreed she would follow up our call with an email listing the advice and the relevant links to details.
Liz then proceeded to ghost us entirely, and it took multiple emails and phone calls and a threat to leave a negative review before we heard back from her. At that point, 4 months had elapsed.
We finally received our follow up email, with a curt apology and a repeat of her admonishment that we had not paid for any more services, and that our engagement was completed.
In our experience, if you hire Liz, be prepared for defensiveness, an inability to listen, and a combative atmosphere from the outset.
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14 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Liz was awesome to work with. Extremely nice yet knowledgeable, fair, and professional. Would definitely recommend to others and would work with again in a second.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Waheed adedapo
This is a moment of enjoy for me and my family. This is not the first time or second time you have been helping people that where recommended to you from me and now you amazed me again getting the all kids green card at a time, you have shown high dexterity and panacea in all you doings. I keep telling friends and everyone i refered to you that your team is an exemplanary team. Your team have shown impeccable characters and manners in addressing issues. if their is anything other than five star then i will issue you a 7 star. We love and appreciate you all the Palladino, Isbell and Casazza team. Thank you and God bless you.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Chanelle price
Where do I begin! From initial contact with Chris, he's operated with the the utmost professionalism. His communication is so timely, and I can tell he truly just wants to HELP. He walked us through the process of my husband getting his green card and has made a very stressful time much more manageable. I really appreciate Chris and would recommend him to everyone.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Besiki tsikarishvili
03 Jan, 2025 by Amanda daniels
If you need a lawyer that’s committed & determined to help you fight for what is best for your family. The Johnson firm is who you want!!! For 3 years the Johnson firm has worked hard & fought many battles for our family. Never backed down or told us they couldn’t do it they always find a way to help our family. These battles have not be easy long hours & lots of work. Mr. Johnson & his team are always a message a way & do everything in there power to make you feel like your important. We know when Mr Johnson & his team represent us we’re in amazing hands. When Mr Johnson walks in to a court room you know he’s going to fight hard & never have a worry in the world. They care about every situation don’t matter how big or small!!! Very professional, fierce, kind & over all amazing we couldn’t have asked for a better team to help our little family. They have made these last few years stress free & have done so much for us. We could never thank them enough for all they do they treat us like family not a client. Best law firm in Delaware I always recommend anyone who’s dealing with family court to contact the Johnson firm you won’t be disappointed. If I could give more then 5 stars I would give them #100 stars!!! We can’t thank the Johnson team enough for all they done for our little family. Thank you so much for everything it’s been a pleasure to be a client all these years!!!
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03 Jan, 2025 by Timothy watkins
The Johnson Firm has been incredible, they have represented me for years. My situation has been a very complex case for years, but Chris and all paralegals and staff stuck with me and fought their hearts out in court me my daughter and I. They never gave up and have been incredible and for years they have gotten me everything I have asked for in court they don’t miss a beat. The Johnson firm is by far the best firm in the area. If your look for a firm that is going to be detailed and get you anything and everything you want call the Johnson firm you will not regret it!
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23 Dec, 2024 by K j
Very satisfied with representation.
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27 Feb, 2025 by Sam bradstreet
incredibly knowledgeable attorney, who provided excellent consultation and evaluation, as part of his understanding of the case. Provided the consultation free of charge
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09 Dec, 2024 by Lindsay
Finding yourself in a situation where your livelihood and future career are at stake is beyond terrifying. I was facing serious legal accusations, and my ability to maintain enrollment as a graduate student, continue my job as a professional, and uphold my academic and career goals was hanging in the balance. On top of that, I was under an aggressive 30-day timeline for resolution, which only intensified the overwhelming nature of my situation.
Zak’s office responded to my initial inquiry within hours, demonstrating the urgency and professionalism the situation demanded—even ensuring representation at 1:00 AM for a critical hearing. Despite the challenges, Zak’s expertise and unwavering commitment ensured that my rights and future were protected, ultimately achieving an extraordinary outcome.
Beyond his legal representation, Zak went above and beyond by connecting me with other counsel to address additional circumstances, ensuring I had comprehensive support. He also took the time to address all my questions and concerns promptly, making sure I always felt informed and heard throughout the process. This level of care and dedication is truly rare, and I will always be grateful for the extraordinary effort he put into my case.
Zak’s professionalism, responsiveness, and compassion truly set him apart. Thanks to his dedication, I felt supported every step of the way and can now focus on moving forward. If you are facing legal challenges that could affect your career, livelihood, or peace of mind, Zak and his team are exactly who you need in your corner.
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06 Dec, 2024 by Hameshia johnson
Zak is amazing! He gave me excellent representation and he is very transparent! Hire zak the goat 🐐
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24 Jan, 2025 by Shanta woods
19 Jan, 2025 by Kelly augustin
Very impressive they took the time to everything clearly. I highly recommend the Liberty Law team to anyone in need of legal services- they truly go above and beyond!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Matthew gabriel
01 Nov, 2024 by Stellar sci-fi
Had a very strange experience with this law firm. Can’t put my finger on it.
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28 May, 2024 by Joe dixon
I have called left message. Emails for Kyle cray. Won’t return any of them. Charged 2200 more than what he quoted. Not a good dui lawyer at all.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Heather lee
Very helpful and understanding...they are on top of everything and take the load of stress off of their clients
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21 Oct, 2024 by Winans
My young children and I lost my husband to cancer due to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Paul Lauricella, Mark Schork, and the entire team not only won our complex case, but were truly amazing throughout the entire process. They are professional, caring, compassionate lawyers. They treated our family as if we were their own. Paul and Mark kept me informed and educated throughout the entire duration of the case. They are truly the BEST and have given my children and myself the chance to move forward with less financial stress and closure.
I highly recommend these wonderful lawyers who I can now call my friends. I am forever grateful for Paul, Mark, and the entire team!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Karen wexler (karen wexler)
Bethany was amazing! From the first meeting she was not only efficient and accommodating, but through everything she made herself available to me when I had questions or needs. I am so glad Bethany was my lawyer. I could not have hoped for a better one!!! In a tough situation she made it a much better process than I could have hoped for.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Omar rifi
The team that worked on our case was amazing. They were extremely responsive, kind and knowledgeable. They provided great advise and went out of their way to address all our issues. I would highly recommend them.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Dawid kowal
I had an outstanding experience with Grungo Law at their Philadelphia office. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, their team was professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about my situation. They kept me informed every step of the way, ensuring I understood all aspects of my case. Their expertise and dedication resulted in a positive outcome, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you’re looking for a law firm that combines skill with compassion, I highly recommend Grungo Law!
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25 Oct, 2023 by Angel hndz
Thank you for helping me when I was injured at work. The team was professional and answered all of my questions as well as kept me in the know! I would recommend to anyone. Best of the best!
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16 Aug, 2023 by Christina brown
I would recommend this law firm to anyone. They kept me informed of the process every step of the way during my case. Every time I reached out to the their office I received prompt response rather through email or making a phone call. I had a slip and fall accident, Stephanie and Bob worked diligently to get my case settled and paid. Look no further this is a law firm you need to contact.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Michael lewis
Mr. Kunnel is a beast! Just won my case! He turned the impossible to possible! Throughout the wholes process Mr. Kunnel was very informative, always returned my calls if he couldn't answer right away, kind, patient, professional, & knowledgeable! | recommend him he's an excellent lawyer!
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29 Mar, 2024 by Kodwo sackey
Was recommended to them by a friend and have been a client ever since, for the last 4 years. For all of my legal needs and inquiries I definitely contact them and receive timely advice and counsel. Glad to have them in my corner. Thank God for them. Fair and just. And make things happen.
Also Ms. tracy is very efficient and keeps everything tight. I appreciate the expansion into the county as well for less travel into the city.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Nihil kalaparambath
Great team. Always available and ready to get the job done.
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26 Nov, 2024 by Shariese katrell
Stay clear of this unethical lawyer firm that don't file cases correctly
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24 Oct, 2024 by Jill cummings
After struggling for two years with my son’s school district to secure the services he was entitled to, I was fortunate to find Montgomery Law and Mary in particular. Mary was an absolute powerhouse! She fought tirelessly with incredible knowledge and expertise, ensuring my son received every bit of support he deserved. Her dedication and guidance were instrumental in propelling my son’s education in the right direction. I only wish I had found her sooner—it would have spared me so many sleepless nights of despair, trying to navigate the system on my own. Montgomery Law gets an A++ for their outstanding service!
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22 Apr, 2024 by Gioia valle
27 Jan, 2025 by Will b.
When I called, the process was a little difficult explaining to the person on the phone was listening well. However once she inputted my case into the system, I was contacted By a Morgan representative who was on point and help me get my case started. I felt relieved by their quick and detailed response.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Ben creed
27 Jan, 2025 by Carmen young
I hired them to take on a case and decided to go another route. They lack communication skills, they don’t return calls, so since they read the reviews I no longer need your services so you don’t have to put in the no work that you have been doing
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10 Feb, 2025 by Jonas aranda
Anthony was super supportive and understanding of my situation. Through the entire process, he was great at putting my mind at ease by making sure I understood everything at every stage. He is very knowledgeable and was successful in getting my case thrown out. I would highly recommend Anthony as an attorney if you want the peace of mind that you will get top tier representation.
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05 Feb, 2025 by Lb
Steven Chung is amazing. I have used him twice for personal injury claims and he won the max for both my cases. I will never switch to another attorney! He listens to you and is very gentle natured. His team is attentive and so caring, and Gail is so sweet! Thank you guys for all you do!
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31 Jan, 2025 by Francesco saverio percetti
A warrior, a beast, a bulwark of a lawyer with a seemingly sixth sense tantamount to a champion chess player similarly to Bobby Ficher with his calculating and methodical approach when defending his clients from a despotic monolith determine to consume the precious soul of either the ordinary, or the extraordinary, American citizen. You will be feared when wielding Anthony Francis Godshall as your formidable lawyer.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Keri shillingburg
An absolutely amazing lawyer, & staff. Everyone met me at a personal level, & a professional level. I’d give them 10 stars if I could.
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08 Oct, 2024 by Courtney smith
We contacted this firm when our son suffered a birth injury. They listened to our potential case and took us on. They helped us all the way through the process, always took my calls and questions. Killino is very passionate about his work and it felt like he was upset for our son like he was his own child. The paralegal, Kayla, was always on top of things and helpful. The whole firm that we worked with really did their best for us and now we have what we need to care for our son. We couldn’t be more grateful.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Reggie bridges
Jeff and his team at Killino Law Firm are truly exceptional! They took on my daughter’s challenging case when no one else would, and their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference. Thanks to their amazing work, we can now take care of our daughter for the rest of her life. Jeff handled everything with professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way. If you’re in need of a personal injury & accident lawyer, look no further—Jeff is your guy. I can’t recommend him and his exceptional team enough!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Jacob altemus
My experience has been an outstanding one. Jaimie Collins is a wonderful attorney that is both effective and professional. I have no complaints.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Roy perry
Divorce was difficult and exhausting, not to mention complicated. Working with Bill Phelan of Cordell & Cordell turned uphill challenges into comprehensible processes and produced a solid conclusion, allowing me to move forward knowing the job was truly complete. Well done, Bill. Thank you.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Jing wang
5.0
1 Reviews
4.3
32 Reviews
25 Feb, 2025 by Kianya whaley
What a great lawyer. Kevin Kelly was very professional and very informative helped me alot with my case. Would definitely recommend this law firm and attorney.
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16 Jan, 2025 by Anthony dorman
Kevin Kelly is a very reliable and professional lawyer when it came to handling my case. He always kept me updated as to where things were in the case and it was an effortless process. I would definitely use him again recommend him for you.
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15 Jan, 2025 by Nate rock
He did a great job he was up front and told me the truth and way time i call he call me back
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24 Jan, 2025 by Shanta woods
19 Jan, 2025 by Kelly augustin
Very impressive they took the time to everything clearly. I highly recommend the Liberty Law team to anyone in need of legal services- they truly go above and beyond!
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08 Jan, 2025 by Matthew gabriel
19 Dec, 2024 by Relly white
I've been a client for almost 10 years now and they've provided good quality service with every case I brought to them.
Zafran Firm is willing to give clarity when it comes to legal jargon, percentages on your behalf as well as the lawyer's, and build your case efficiently with a body of paperwork and more.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Masy tarawaly
David B. Kline got my mother and I an amazing settlement. He was kind and extremely helpful with our case!
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31 Oct, 2024 by Pinkylu johnson
I'd just like to say that Matthew Toll is an exemplary lawyer who works tediously, and respectfully, leaving no stone unturned until he does all that is humanly possible to settle every case with the greatest outcome. Thank you again Matthew
Patricia Johnson
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17 Feb, 2025 by Gina young
Ryan Hurd is an outstanding personal injury attorney. He makes himself available anytime I have questions, no matter how big or small. His responsiveness and dedication truly set him apart.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Adrian murphy
I've known Ryan Hurd for years, and he’s not just an outstanding attorney—he’s a person you can trust completely. Whenever I need legal advice or just someone to listen, Ryan is always there with his sharp expertise and genuine care. His dedication to his clients is unmatched, and he fights tirelessly to get the best possible results. If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney who truly has your back, Ryan is the one you want in your corner.
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17 Feb, 2025 by Matthew mandell
I can’t recommend Ryan Hurd highly enough. After my accident, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, but Ryan stepped in and immediately put me at ease. He took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt supported throughout the entire case. His professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to getting me the best possible outcome were truly remarkable. Thanks to Ryan, I received a fair settlement that helped me move forward. If you need a personal injury lawyer who genuinely cares and will fight for you, call Ryan Hurd.
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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.
