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06 Oct, 2015 by James
In very trying times, Mr. Garrison has been extremely helpful and continues to assist me In trying to save my property from foreclosure despite dismissal of chapter 11 that was due to lack of performance on my part of the trustee requirements.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Garrison was very knowledgeable and answered many questions that helped us understand our situation. We are confident that he will be able to help us solve our problem. Thank you Mr. Garrison.
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16 Feb, 2015 by Charity
Bob made my bankruptcy quick and painless. He was able to calm my fears and keep me on track after a messy divorce and difficult decision to file the bankruptcy. Bob was thoughtful, intelligent, and knowledgeable, and he found creative ways to deal with an unexpected snafu. Well after the paperwork was filed and the court appointments were complete, Bob continued to follow up with my case, making sure every detail was taken care of. I highly recommend Bob Garrison to anyone needing a skilled and considerate attorney.
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30 May, 2022 by Bridget
I highly recommend the services of Yelish Law to anyone going through a divorce, especially one with custody issues. I interviewed a few lawyers before being referred to Yelish. Todd was the first lawyer who was willing to fight for what I wanted. It's unrealistic to go into a divorce thinking you will get everything you want. But Todd understood what mattered most to me and helped me get closer than I believed possible. What I appreciated most was how straightforward and honest he was during the process. I always felt like he had my back and my best interest in mind. Divorce is incredibly stressful beyond any expectation I had. I wasn't always my best self but Todd made sure everything we submitted was written professionally and above board, even when the other side was not. The entire team at Yelish Law is professional and supportive. They are there to help you get the best outcome possible. I will definitely refer them to anyone who asks me if I know a good lawyer.
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06 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
i used Todd for a divorce and he did amazing he fought fair and hard and the end result was very close to my goal and aspirations. he was committed from the beginning and did not hold back. he is easy to talk to and very personable. i would recommend him and have recommended him to two friends. -Tim
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23 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Holyoak was the only attorney who personally called me the day of my reaching out concerning a time-sensitive consultation. He scheduled an appointment first thing the next day, where he was helpful and efficient helping me understand my position. He was judicious with my time and money.
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27 Mar, 2015 by Andrea
My roommate and I, two senior ladies, quietly shared an apartment in Port Orchard for four years. When we moved, we left the apartment structurally sound and professionally-clean. We were shocked the landlords sent us a move-out $1,500 bill for replacing the carpet plus other sundry charges…. due in two weeks! So, we asked GSJones landlord tenant attorney, Sara Humphries to represent us right away. She was awesome. She got the apartment complex to replace the carpet themselves; they dropped all other charges and, refunded a small amount too. We were sooo relieved and happy. I know other tenants have landlord trouble.They need legal representation. I highly recommend G. S. Jones .They do fight for you! That I know for sure!!
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04 Jan, 2024 by Jane
I reached back to Kathleen as she handled my divorce several years ago. The defendant was not complying with the terms. Kathy is knowledgeable and provides the most practical solution with professionalism and empathy. She is dedicated to assuring her clients are receiving the settlement according to the judgement.
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28 May, 2014 by Richard
Kathy Schultz was my divorce attorney in 2012. I found her very helpful and professional. What particularly impressed me was her pragmatism. Rather than stoke animus, she encouraged me to reach a practical compromise that would avoid the expense of a full blown trial. She showed a lot of savvy in negotiating. One particularly helpful strategy protected me from getting screwed when my ex filed for bankruptcy. I had taken on key debts that I was liable to get stuck with, and in return got an offsetting share of the assets. Thus my ex’s bankruptcy didn’t stick me with anything I hadn’t already gotten assets to cover. I recommend Kathy Schultz without reservation.
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17 Aug, 2013 by Kimberly
Kathleen came very highly recommended to me by multiple people. She was very helpful in letting me know what my rights were and kept me informed on everything that as going on with my case. My case was a long drawn had a divorce, custody and relocation battle out with a not so cooperative lawyer on the other end! She fought for everything that I wanted and needed done. We WON all because of Kathleen's hard work and commitment to my case. I recommend her to anyone who wants a great attorney. She has been nothing but flexible with me on paying off my balance. I didn't have much to start out with but she worked with me and is still working with me on paying off my remaining balance. I have never been charged interest on my account, which has been a huge help!
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09 Nov, 2023 by John
I hired Scott to help me with my divorce and child custody case and from day 1 Scott was on the team and helped me navigate through the divorce process and made it almost painless for me, he helped me fight for custody of my daughter and won without any issues. He was always there if I had a question or concern and was amazing throughout the whole process! I HIGHLY recommend Scott if your in a divorce or child custody situation, you won’t be disappointed
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07 Jun, 2019 by Joy
I found Scott Kalkwarf to be a professional, well-educated, and responsive attorney. He addressed the issues of my case--a challenge to my mother's trust--with acumen, bringing his experience and expertise in matters of trust law, along with a serious and calm attitude, to the table. I highly recommend Mr. Kalkwarf for your legal needs.
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11 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
My husband and I found Scott to be knowledgable, concise and effective, especially in his successful discerning of the important points and facts of our case and logical filtering out of those points that were superfluous. Scott does not overreact in his communications to the opposing party, instead tempering his tone and cadence with appropriate respect, yet firmness. We found Scott to possess more than adequate immediate knowledge integral to addressing our particular issues, in addition to exhibiting the humbleness and willingness needed to pursue further research to validate his initial impressions. Most importantly to us, because, in our case, we wished to ensure that the opposing party was treated with respect and dignity in court and in communications, despite our disagreements, we chose Scott because of the values and ethics we had observed in his treatment of us. This, to us, indicated that he would not likely be the type of attorney to spew baseless arguments in court and at the other party, who is a neighbor, but that he would, hopefully, rely on the truth to tell our case through detailed, documented presenting of the facts, maintaing what we believe to be ethical behavior and effectively championing our cause. We have a great deal of faith in Scott and continue to use him as our attorney.
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05 Nov, 2020 by Breeann
Mr. Browning, in my opinion, is one of the best lawyers you can get. He is always looking at both sides to be ready for a response in any case. The communication between the two of us was amazing! He consistently gave me updates and always gave great advice. He worked so hard on my case, even with him being injured during my case, he never failed. I could ask any question and he was never mad or irritated with it. Mr. Browning is very thoughtful about everyone’s feelings and desires when it comes to getting results. During all this for me, he has alleviated all the stress that I normally would be dealing with and I am, and will always be, extremely grateful towards this! I recommend him 100%!
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10 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Browning succeeded in getting spousal support for me despite opposing counsel costing 200+% more and was able to get out motion passed, while simultaneously being able to get opposing motions denied.
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13 Apr, 2020 by Garan
Allen thanked me at our first visit for putting my trust in him. I was consciously involved in the process and Allen educated and guided me with patience. In my case he was willing to challenge the status quo to win my case. Allen has a vibrant character and he uses it well in court. Know that aswering questions is what an attorney should do during this emotional time. Allen did that for me.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Cazzandra moguel nava
Was hung up on, twice, after waiting 2 weeks to simply contact the court and request a court date hearing to take care of a warrant. They won't even do us the tiny favor to file a form to recuse themselves from our case, so we can try to get things rolling.
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24 May, 2024 by Mike piercy
Adrian helped us with an unusual case. Basically I had a crazy guy become obsessed with his conspiracy theory that I was a CIA spy and the Pimentel team helped us get the situation under control (not joking unfortunately).
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14 May, 2024 by R m
Adrian seems really inadequate at his job and appeared to be hung over while in court. He seems incredibly disorganized and can’t seem to get his act together. Look elsewhere for an attorney.
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18 Jan, 2024 by Angie santiago
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21 Apr, 2023 by Julie hahn
At first I wasn't to sure about her but now I know she truly does care about her clients and stands by what is right
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20 Jan, 2023 by Fair one justice for all
Bad experience. Poor communication skills. Doesn't have any kind of defense strategy for trial. Not a good negotiater with prosecuting atty. Just wants you to take a deal. Waste of time. .
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04 Feb, 2024 by Matthew molien
Not very responsive. Said they would call and didn't.
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16 Dec, 2023 by Linda allen
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25 Jul, 2023 by Tom serrano
I was charged with my first (and hopefully last) DUI in 2023, and I needed someone to help me navigate the process. I chose Stan based on research I did online, and I'm happy to say I made a great choice. Stan started off by suggesting immediate steps I could take to start satisfying requirements he knew were forthcoming from the court. He then used my early start on those steps to negotiate a pretrial diversion agreement that was far better than what I thought I was facing at the outset. As long as I stay out of further trouble, I will plead guilty to negligent driving at the end of the diversion period. I do not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone facing a similar situation.
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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:

  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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