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30 Apr, 2020 by Jose
Mr. McAllister provided a professional and inviting atmosphere of trust and communication throughout this difficult time. I am pleased with his services as a client and impressed with reasonable fees. Mr. McAllister is very respectful and attentive to your concerns and most importantly he is highly respected in the judicial system. Thank You and God Bless You Always- The Marin Family
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12 Feb, 2020 by -angel-
I had an outstanding warrant from a while back on a misdemeanor charge. I now live in Florida so I needed to hire an attorney that could facilitate the release of the warrant as well as see if there was a solution to this whole nightmare. I started to search and came across Ryan McAllister. I reached out via email to several attorneys at that time and honestly Ryan was the only one who responded that he was willing to help me out. I didn't act on matters immediately because I was saving up to pay Ryan as well as any court associated costs. Once I did have enough to move forward I again contacted Ryan and provided the information that he needed to proceed. Ryan took time to research and find out what was going on. It turned out the warrant was no longer in effect as of March 2019. Ryan was able to get all this information very quickly and delivered the excellent news. in all this I still had not given Ryan a dime. I then asked Ryan what is the charge for his assistance in this situation and to my absolute shock was told there would be no charge. Ryan was just happy to be able to give me the great news. If you need someone on your side who is a go getter. Ryan is your guy. I hope to never need his services again but should the unfortunate need arise, He'd be my only call .
Thanks Ryan for all your help
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05 Sep, 2019 by Yvonne
I began working with Ryan and the group (Susan) back in December when I filed for Divorce. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect going in... there was a lot I didn’t understand and truly never expected to be in this position let alone being the one to file. Ryan met with me and I was instantly at ease in a way that I was no longer in this alone. He was detailed, honest, didn’t push or want anything more than what I wanted. Unfortunately, as time passed things did become complicated and a little frustrating... but both he and Susan handled everything with professionalism and grace. Their communication with me through the process was clear and very very timely. I never had to wait more than a day for a call back or response to an email.
I pray I never have to go through this situation again in my life... but if I do or any of my family or friends ever find themselves in need of legal counsel or consultation... Ryan McAllister is who I will call!
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17 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
She is an amasing lawyer. Handles cases with much care. I would recommend this lawyer, very professional.
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23 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
I was very pleased with this lawyer. She handled my case very professionally and we won despite the odds being against us. She has a professional appearance and an understated manner, which work well together.
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17 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Ms. Laura Cooper is a very professional lawyer who handle my business to a victory. Excellent value and resolution.
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16 Mar, 2018 by Paris
Helped me with a traffic violation, he was great! Made it very simple, we were in and out of the district in minutes! Highly recommended
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19 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Zak provided much needed guidance and support both legally and emotionally throughout my divorce. He was blunt when it was needed and caring as well. He is a professional and does a great job. He was prompt at responding to my issues and concerns and understood the legal procedures to get things settled.
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10 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Used Attorney Morey for a landlord tenant hearing and he did a great job. Could not recommend him more.
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25 Sep, 2014 by Brian
Kelly Kline handled my case, which had quite a few challenges and was always on top of the issues, in constant communication, and above all highly professional. Her legal knowledge and dedication beyond reproach. Furthermore the price that she charges is more than fair and she does not nickle and dime on monthly billings like other attorneys I have dealt with. I have worked with attorneys for both private matters and business matters and can say without a doubt, that working with Kelly was not painful at all, like it has been with other lawyers. I truly can not recommend her enough.
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20 Nov, 2014 by Jeff
I used this Attorney for a Berks County Children and Youth case with my ex. He did what was best for me and always made sure I got a fair shake which is hard to do against the county. He is an old school attorney who is there for you and I will use him again any time I can...
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02 Aug, 2022 by M c (aken1)
26 Apr, 2022 by Michelle rentschler
John Forry is very professional and helpful he helped my family so much over the years that I only trust him to help me with POA Living wills and ect. Thanks
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04 Jul, 2019 by Carol bridges
Very helpful
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02 Aug, 2022 by M c (aken1)
26 Apr, 2022 by Michelle rentschler
John Forry is very professional and helpful he helped my family so much over the years that I only trust him to help me with POA Living wills and ect. Thanks
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04 Jul, 2019 by Carol bridges
Very helpful
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13 Aug, 2024 by Keven
I had 2 previous lawyers who just took my money and didn't care if I saw my kids. Lisa went above and beyond and I ended up with full custody after a long hard road.
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13 Aug, 2024 by Sherry
Lisa is absolutely amazing. She made my divorce smooth and painless. She also represented me for custody and adoption. She cares and fought for my children and their best interest. I love that she responds back fast and explains the process. If you see a bad review, it's probably because your spouse wished they hired her and it's not going well for them. That's what my ex did.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Nancy muldowney
I highly recommend Todd Berk. He helped my family member get SSI on appeal. He and his team were very good at organizing and submitting all of the necessary documents. He returned calls very promptly. He was honest and personable. He knew what to expect of the process and had a good feel as to whether or not our case had a strong likelihood of success. I am so glad to have used Todd Berk’s legal expertise.
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03 Jun, 2024 by Nancy muldowney
I highly recommend Todd Berk. He helped my family member get SSI on appeal. He and his team were very good at organizing and submitting all of the necessary documents. He returned calls very promptly. He was honest and personable. He knew what to expect of the process and had a good feel as to whether or not our case had a strong likelihood of success. I am so glad to have used Todd Berk’s legal expertise.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Gerow
Mr. Gurwitz represented our family and did and outstanding job. He came highly recommended to us and we can say, without a doubt, he is the attorney you should hire for any legal matters!
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15 Aug, 2024 by Zachary walter
Jacob Gurwitz was very helpful. Great job. Thank you very much, from me and my family. I would recommend to anyone.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Benjamin rodriguez
Mr.Gurwitz
Assisted when berks county finest and reading finest framed me for something I did not do.
Jacob Gurwitz fought tooth and nail to have me acquitted on all charges. Successful case the man is good and does not let up. If you think you need a great defense lawyer he is your man. Thank you Mr. Gurwitz job well done my family and I are will forever be greatful. Again thank you and Feeney !!!!!!
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03 Oct, 2024 by Juan bolivar
I Highly recommend Andrea Mertz and the stuff, She helped me with a Really Difficult case, the way she represented me and her commitment to my situation was very professional, a very Intelligent attorney , I can just say Thank you so much!
Price was good too, for what she did I felt that it was an investment.
Good luck Andrea!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Dennis charriez
EXCELLENT LAWYER
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12 Sep, 2024 by Daisy paneto
Joe is a great attorney! He is very helpful and knowledgeable. He truly helps and does his best work and shows his best interest in his job to help others and fight for what’s right. I highly recommend him! Thank you for representing me!
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22 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms Lecher was very helpful in preparing me for an ongoing case. She is very knowledgeable in what steps I need to take to in the timeline and incidents of my case,
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09 May, 2022 by Shannon stevens
I had another attorney previously and had Kristen take over. I have never felt more comfortable, supported, and confident that my case has hope. Kristen will fight for you above and beyond! She has done so much more than I feel any attorney would. She will fight for you and your child!
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25 Aug, 2021 by Katie
Attorney Doleva was a great advocate for me in my custody hearing. She is strong, matter of fact, knowledgeable in the law, and will be your greatest advocate. It gave me great comfort knowing I was in good hands. I felt that she more than adequately prepared me for my court date, which kept me calm and professional.
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29 Feb, 2024 by Mike werner
I highly recommend Krasno Krasno and Onwudinjo. Alan Lani and my case manager Vanessa got my appeal approved in a few months. They were always pleasant to talk with and answered all my question and kept me informed throughout the process. I would recommend their services to anyone in need of social security disability.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Edy alexa
Excelente trabajo lo mejor para escoger, lo recomiendo 100 × 100 muy serio y muy profesional en su servicio.
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01 Dec, 2023 by Brandi herbst
The lawyers are all very experienced, extremely helpful. They always respond very quickly
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21 Jan, 2020 by Crystal
Let me begin by saying Konrad did what we asked him to do. He was great. Our case took about 2 years, as it was a custody case, so this can be normal. Emails are the best way to communicate with him. He is a sole practice and I'd imagine he is out and about quite often, in court, giving free consultations, etc. Keep in mind, this also may allow him to keep his prices a tad lower than some other practices with all the bells and whistles. I read a poor review down below and I would imagine as a lawyer, you win some and you lose some, so your reviews may not be perfect. The person below was struggling with some sort of settlement for quite some time and they had mentioned that Mr. Jarzyna was out of the country 2 times. This was true. His mother was very ill and the 2nd time he left the country it was for her passing. These reviews are nice and usually helpful but on the same token we tend to lack compassion for others. I felt it necessary to make people aware that this attorney was not just sitting in the Bahamas sipping margheritas, he was attending to one of the most important things in his or anyone's life. I have seen what this attorney is capable of and he is fair. If he can help you, he will!
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09 Apr, 2019 by Enrique
excellent lawyer very professional 100% recommended super according with its services
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11 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Since my initial consultation with Mr. Jarzyna, he is aware that I am on a fixed income due to a permanent disability. My case involved receiving a large amount of money owed to me via a Decree signed by the Master Attorney assigned to my case. The Master Attorney stated and my attorney reiterated that the amount of money owed to me stated in the Court Decree must be placed in my bank account within 30 days from the date of the Master Hearing (September 10, 2018) and if not placed in my bank account on the 31st day after the said hearing (October 10, 2018) the Sheriff of Berks County will serve a warrant on the Defendant and take him into custody. It is now approximately three years since I hired Mr. Jarzyna as my attorney and four months since the Decree was issued for the Defendant to return my money, and I have not received the money owed to me, nor have I heard from Mr. Jarzyna even after leaving a number of voicemails. Six months in from retaining Mr. Jarzyna, each time I tried to contact him, no one at his law firm answers the phone and I leave a voicemail. I wait at least 3-4 months each time with no contact from Mr. Jarzyna, by telephone call, text, email, or letter, and I leave 2 or 3 voicemails. At least two times of which I am aware, he was out of the country for personal reasons. He did not notify me or the Berks County Bar Association, and did not arrange for another attorney to cover his sole practice. Both times he was out of the country the telephone was not answered and I left numerous voicemails. I have been contacted by him via USPS only when a court hearing was ordered by the judge and/or master attorney. I am extremely disappointed in Mr. Jarzyna, and I cannot in good faith give Mr. Jarzyna a good review, or refer anyone to his practice.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Sandra zavala
It was my pleasure and so thankful to work with Von Bargen, is an attorney with a lot of knowledge, very good attitude, so helpful and easy to reach.,This law firm they will fight for the human rights🙏
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29 Jun, 2024 by David levan
I can't say enough good things about Gary it was easy to get things taken care of painless and the physical therapy helped unfortunately I learned one thing, don't think your auto insurance company is not on your side Gary fought for everything he could get I had witnesses on my side but without Gary I would not have known how to navigate the legal system he guided me through it so easily I would recommend Gary to anyone looking for a hard-working lawyer who's fighting for his client will not letting the client worried, I was kept informed and was more than happy with the outcome thank you Gary you and your staff were wonderful.
Dave l
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25 Jun, 2024 by John kerper
My calling them turned out to be a big mistake. After getting the preliminary paperwork done and I was waiting for them to complete the next step, then I was told they were unable to move forward with it. They didn't give a reason for this waste of time.
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09 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Didn't put much time or thought into my case. Took 2-3 weeks at times for her to get back to me about urgent matters. Never wanted to push back against the other party, but instead insisted that we remain calm and don't fight back, which did not help at all.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Amanda miller
03 Mar, 2024 by Tyrone r
Great staff wonderful service in your time of need
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09 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Please do your research and know there are other option's available. He had his license suspended before and should of never gotten it back. I felt my consultation was just "talk" to make himself sound and look good but couldn't follow through with his words. Previous clients stated he is untrustworthy and he is not confidential and I could not agree any more! I went elsewhere for better quality and outcome.
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28 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
There are others available. Don't just go by what you hear or reviews you read. I did not feel my information would be confidential, did not feel he was trustworthy. I felt I was told things just keep my mind at ease and there was more talking on his end with no resolution.
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10 Mar, 2018 by Ryan
Amazing! We're so happy and so glad that I contacted Mike's office. I had a tough custody case. I had been battling to see my son more than his mother would allow. I didn't think I had a chance as I always believed the court to be more lenient with the mother's. Mike Hollinger arranged everything! He came to our house and was able to tell the judge exactly what the house looked like. He met my family and was able to tell the court what they were like. It was all brilliant and something you just don't see! He really cares about his clients. I'm so glad I listened. He told me exactly what to do and it wasn't easy, but it turns out he always had a plan. I went from an "every other weekend" dad to a 50/50 dad!! My son is so happy and I feel like he saved my family. Words aren't enough! Thank you, Mike Hollinger and Hollinger Law Office!!
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30 Dec, 2021 by Danielle
We have worked with Mark since 2012 through a very messy custody matter. He has given us exceptional representation and success. Even though the fight was long, Mark worked hard and prevailed every step of the way. We recommend him to anyone and everyone.
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27 Apr, 2021 by Richard
Marks opening statement to the court was
" Your honor this case is a crap shoot" I knew I picked the wrong attorney. After thousands of dollars paid he demanded payment in full for the balance or he was quitting the case. And he quit. Never won at anything in court but to have the judge let him quit. He than sued me for the money owed. We settled on a lower amount.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Dave
I have been working with Mark over the last few years with a custody battle. My ex was causing problems with me and stopped, but then started up again this past spring. Mark has been very helpful with whole situation. I would highly recommend him as a lawyer. He has a lot of knowledge with the law and works with you.
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02 Aug, 2022 by M c (aken1)
26 Apr, 2022 by Michelle rentschler
John Forry is very professional and helpful he helped my family so much over the years that I only trust him to help me with POA Living wills and ect. Thanks
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04 Jul, 2019 by Carol bridges
Very helpful
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26 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
First off I will say that I was rushed in picking a lawyer and didn't use very good judgment. This one will take you for all you have and not do the work for what she charges. She basically stood by while I stated my case in court. She came to court late on several separate occasions because she had other cases to attend to. She doesn't communicate almost at all. I would have to ask all the questions and never got straight forward answers. She doesn't offer any legal advice for your situation. She will send paperwork through the mail as often as she can and charge you an arm and a leg. She has no compassion and will not explain anything. She also gets annoyed and irritated when asked to explain something. During her consultation she will do what she has to and say what you want to hear so you retain her but never actually follows through with what she said. I did "win" my cases but it was in no part thanks to her or her doings.
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13 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Ann to handle a child custody case. I recently moved into my son’s school district and was hoping for a 50/50 custody arrangement. My son is 8 years old and his mother has had primary custody since he was little. At the first meeting with Ann, I knew she was the attorney I would hire. She was knowledgeable about the process, the judges and was very strategic with next steps. She did not over promise but she did exceed my expectations and over delivered. At the custody master level I received a recommendation that was not favorable. Ann worked through the issues with me and I ultimately decided to move forward to a trial. Ann’s competence and suggested strategy were main deciding factors that led to taking the financial risk of trial. During the process, the relationship with my son’s mother became very hostile and Ann was always responsive to emails and phone calls. At the end of the day I ended up receiving a favorable outcome. I plan to use Ann in the future for any family law issues.
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03 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Was interested in someone specific at firm, unfortunately it got handed off to her instead. That should have been my first sign. Upon sharing with her what I was looking for and hoping to obtain - she was passive, disorganized, and in the end I spent thousands of dollars that got me nowhere. It's as if she was in her own world and didn't even put forth an effort to fight for my rights regarding custody.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Kylie freeman
Zachary Amorey did a phenomenal job at helping me with what I needed. He was so polite and working with him was quick and easy. By far the best lawyer i’ve ever worked with.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Joe mason
Don’t waste your time speaking with these people. They basically told me my information wasn’t worthy enough.
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17 May, 2024 by So cal
Attorney Zachary Morey is simply the best. He's brilliant, fast, experienced, kind, responsive & reasonable. He represented me in a landlord/tenant dispute and prevailed in 5 minutes. I'm so fortunate to have retained him. 10/10 in every measurable area of law. He's good looking too.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Denise was very unprofessional. As I was waiting for my consult she was very inappropriate with her previous client, hugging her and then blowing her a kiss. I believe that is out of line and she should be disbarred for having romantic relations with clients.
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21 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
Maybe she use to be ok but not anymore. Messed everything up to not returning phone calls promptly and not ignoring emails. Always claiming to maybe have used the wrong email address. Kept referring to my ex as my husband when we were never even married. Ended up leaving me stranded in the middle of the court house after I lost money at work and for gas and parking. Claimed she was scared of the other lawyer she had to go up against. Walked out acting scared and quit my case and left my ex to laugh at me that I could not find a competent lawyer.
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25 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Worse lawyer I’ve ever delt with. Told me to record every interaction with my child’s father. I did. Then she told me she couldnt use it because of PA wiretap laws. Terrible advice. Wouldnt return calls/emails for weeks. We were supposed to have a meeting a couple weeks before the trial. She postponed it 3 times and then removed herself from my case 2 days before the trial. Do not waste your money.
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02 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
If you are in need of a lawyer, DO NOT HIRE Kurt Geishauser. Honestly I do not know how he even obtained a certification to practice law. He is a disgrace to the legal justice system and he is soiling the reputation of Emmanuel Dimitriou. I hired him as a criminal defense lawyer for a case that I was charged with crimes I did not commit and Kurt assured me that everything was going to be okay. Everything was not okay as he kept making continuances and feeding me lies and excuses. The ratings he got on Yahoo.com are all 110% true. He never returns your calls and he always shows up to court late. Every time I called his office, the receptionist says that he isn't in his office and would asked me for my number for him to call me back. He never does. Even when I don't call him he does not update me on the status of my case. I receive no response. He waits until the court appearance to tell me and makes an excuse saying that he doesn't find out stuff until last minute. As a lawyer you are supposed to keep your client well informed on the case status. So the only way you can catch him is if you walk into his office. I remember one time I was meeting with him and he had a client who was calling and such and he had told his receptionist to tell the client to stop calling him otherwise he would not work on the client's case anymore. What kind of lawyer does that? Yes it is good that he is in great relations with the District Attorney and Judge, but keep in mind that's not always a good thing. I rather would have hired someone off the street than hire Kurt Geishauser. He is better off being a public defender than a private attorney.
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07 May, 2015 by Callie
Kurt handled several criminal cases of mine about 3 years back. He was professional, personable, trustworthy, and effective. He also came to consult with me at berks county jail while I was incarcerated for a technical probation violation. This obviously really meant a lot to me. He also came in with me to see my p.o. at a time I was worried about another violation. I hope I never need his services again but it is comforting to me knowing that he is my lawyer.
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16 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I met Kurt through mid-penn legal. He told me he would help me with extending my protection from abuse order. Before my hearing I got in contact with him to assure that he was still with me on my case or if I needed to look elsewhere. He told me he was indeed taking care of it. Then the day of my hearing he DID NOT EVEN SHOW UP. Would not answer his phone, nothing. I can understand not wanting to do charity work, but the least he could have done was tell me the truth and say he wouldn't take care of the case for me.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Vincent gunter
17 Jan, 2024 by Andrea rose
I went here because the billboards everywhere say $250 for divorce but it’s actually closer to $700 right off the bat and they are rude, inconsiderate and only care about money. The secretary is rude, Bernard is just as rude and arrogant. Wouldn’t even let me finish a sentence and explain myself without money. I spoke to another attorney who said the way things were done just to file initial paperwork was wrong. They didn’t help me at all. I’d rather represent myself than deal with them again.
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02 May, 2023 by King qbert
Helped me finalize my divorce. Was very accommodating and quick considering the law and situation. Price was upfront and reasonable. Would use again.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Angelyna
I had a conciliation lead by Ms. Kleinfelter, and the moment the zoom meeting started I felt she had already made her decision on the case, which she is supposed to not choose sides and just be there to help both parties come to a decision, she threatened me , brought up things that are not relevant to my case , was very rude and unprofessional this women should be disbarred , shouldn’t be in this line of work with the way she acts towards you, as I see all the other reviews it’s very correct on how she is.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I concur with every review on this page. In a recent hearing, this person was a disgrace to the judicial system. She was rude, disrespectful, and lacked any patience for this position. I could barely speak without her brash interjections and demeaning comments. When I asked her questions or tried to clarify information, she had no tolerance. The order that was issued was excessively erroneous and will only cause a return to the system in an appeal, which will further backlog the process for all. Without question, she should be disbarred.
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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.
