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21 Feb, 2024 by Matthew laverone
Great customer service and very knowledgeable about real estate law. Elaine has been very helpful. Look forward to continuing to work with this Maddox, Segerblom and Canepa.
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02 Jan, 2024 by I m
Friendly people but unless you have a bunch of money I wouldn't bother.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Paula penrod
Ardea was very instrumental in resolving a water damage claim which resulted in extensive damage to the first floor of our home. After 6 months of trying to deal with the insurance on our own, and the insurance company not willing to pay for the damages caused by their client's negligence, we hired Ardea. Once Ardea was involved, the insurance company finally took full responsibility for the damages done to our home and we were able receive a settlement which allowed us to repair the damages done to our home.
I highly recommend Ardea and her staff. They are very professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
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29 Apr, 2023 by Josue medina
Not sure what this clown bot David is talking about, but my experience with Omealia law was way different. The staff was great and very straightforward with filing fees and attorney fees, and the process to get my green card. I have my friends going here too and I’m glad to say they’re in the path to getting theirs too!
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13 Jun, 2022 by David
I WOULDN’T RECOMMEND hiring this office. I’m a Clinical Social Worker and my job is to advocate for my clients which is the exact opposite of what this office has done for us. It seems to me that Josette O’Mealia takes advantage of people in desperate situations. We paid her $4500 for her “services” which were to include filling out three simple immigration forms and assisting us throughout the immigration process. We met with her one time before actually retaining her and never again as we kept getting excuses for why she couldn’t meet with us. We asked her office over and over again to assist us with our process and to help us expedite our claim as I was transferring my job and my husband needed work authorization. Her office did not help and actually provided us with inaccurate legal advice saying that we “had to wait normal USCIS processing times, sorry”. We ended up filing an expedite request ourselves and submitting the additional evidence that was requested by USCIS. We were able to get my husband’s work authorization approved with no help from the attorney that we paid good money for. We voiced our concerns to Josette and she refused to address our concerns and instead was very entitled and essentially told us to deal with it or no longer work with her. It’s for this reason that we are filing an ethics complaint against this office. We attempted to resolve the issue directly with her, but she’s more concerned with taking our money for work she has not and at this point will not perform. Do yourself a favor and find a more experienced and more professional attorney. She has only been an attorney since 2019. Her office even told us they don’t do expedite requests because they have too many clients. This is exactly what we retained this office for as it was an emergency. We definitely didn’t pay $4500 only for her assistant to assist us with three forms. They had no problem taking our money, but did not do the work. Please save yourself a headache and go somewhere else!
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09 Nov, 2020 by Jacqueline
I met Ms. O' Mealia two weeks ago when my husband and I got a letter from USCIS informing us we had an interview with only three day notification. We called this law firm because on our first interview with USCIS we used their services. We went with Att. Acosta, and we were very satisfied with his knowledge and professionalism, anyways when we called the office they informed us that she might not be able to take the case because she had a very booked day but they would call me back to let me know. Now mind you they were our only option because we only had two exact days to get ready for this interview. The office called us back within an hour to inform us Ms. O'Mealia had moved around some appointments around for us and that she would accompany us to the interview! and that she would also meet with us a day before the interview for any questions. Since we were traveling from Elko, NV 4 hours away from Reno we couldn't be at the appointment at the time we had scheduled with the firm. They again worked with us and made it to were we could come see them as the last appointment of the day. when we came in on the appointment day, of course I am worked up because this is my husbands second interview with USCIS for his adjustment of status and the first interview was so uncomfortable and invasive( even though we have been married for over a decade) so my thought process was "this is gonna horrible". She saw me right away and knew that I was all nerves. She was so kind and so helpful to put my mind at ease. She was amazing! I am certain that our interview would not have gone the way it did without her. At the end of the interview again the officer did not tell us if we got approved or not. he said " I will do another background check and we will send you a letter of our decision in the mail." So again I left with a knot in my stomach, she knew that so she checked our case over the weekend and gave me a personal phone call to inform me my husband had been approved! Like what other attorney does that? I am so grateful the guy above appointed her to be our representative. If we had to do this again I would certainly put our case in her hands without a doubt, that is how confident she was and made me feel. If you need someone confident and competent I would not look anywhere else. I wish the firm we went with had these qualities, don't get me wrong my husbands easy case turned into a two and half year dreadful case and the initial firm we went with delivered but was such a big firm and super far away that they did not have the compassion or the time to help put your mind at ease they were more to the point and move on to the next case. attorney Josette O'Mealia would have been my first choice!
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
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.
