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19 Sep, 2024 by Nola becher
Claire made the entire process of setting up my will/trust comfortable and smooth. She explained my options clearly, walked me through the steps, answered all questions to my satisfaction. The firm’s approach and process was straightforward and efficient. I was very pleased with the entire experience.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Juliana strait
They helped process my dad’s will and get the necessary documents in place. Very quick to respond and helpful!
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14 Sep, 2024 by Rhonda prestegard
Alec was great to work with. He, along with the rest of the team, provided valuable training, information, and guidance through the entire estate planning process. They were very communicative and response times were excellent. I highly recommend this firm for your estate planning.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Red oak
Excellent estate planning. Very easy to work with.
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11 Sep, 2021 by Jeff jorgensen
08 Apr, 2021 by Randy greeson
Always does a great job for us.
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30 Aug, 2009 by Bobbi
Mr. Dilaveri is an overall excellant attorney. He is very knowledgeable, helpfull, compasionate, and made a very difficult time in my life less stressful and easier to cope with. He is very trustworthy, and I would never hesitate to turn to him for any legal matters.
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13 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I am a Transsexual woman and hired Mr. Arems Dilaveri for my attorney to fight an unwarented stop leading to charges of a DUI. Mr. Dilaveri showed me a great deal of respect during our consultation and showed charicter that I had not seen in other offices.
I decided to hire Arens Dilaveri not only because he was reasonably priced but also presented a very strong presense of confidence. After he completed his discovery. He felt confident that my case had a good chance of being won.
After some delay from the prsecution and an accident in which the arresting officer was injured I had my first hearing almost a year later.
Mr. dilaveri discused his stratagy with me and allowed me to be prepared for questions from him and what whould be expected from the prosectors. He was calm and confident and it put me at ease even with being on the stand.
During the hearing he was very persistant and deliberate in his questioning. He was able to keep the officer and the prosecution therein on the defensive throught the hearing. He was able to establish fact out of a situation that the prosecution tried to make seem hear-say in reguards to my testomony. HAsking the questions of the officer that allowed the future questions be me to be allready established as a situation that was most likly.
After the hearing he was reassureing to me about how the days events had gone. He typed up the writen argument that he submitted to the Judge over two weeks earlier than the prosecution submitted theres. He kept me informed of the situation.
Roughly a month after the hearing I recieved an E-mail from MR. Dilaveri that I had won my case and it had been thrown out. With all evidence being suppresed due to the nature in which it was obtain was not legal.
I would recommend this attorney to anyone needing someone to fight for them in court. He is quick, smart, tactful and extremely respectful. I not only recomend him because he allowed me to clear my name but because of these traites. I had offered him this high of regaurd for his work for me before the case was even finalized.
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12 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
I retained Arens for a modification of child support.He kept me informed and his knowledge of the subject left me feeling confident that this matter would be dealt with professionally.
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26 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
I sought out Nicole to help me in my messy child custody case. My two children and I were in a very difficult situation, where
the safety of my children were at risk. Nicole took the time to meet with me and see all previous documents from previous lawyers and mediations. She took the time to learn our case and come up with a plan to be able to ensure my childrens best interest. She was always a phone call away when I needed legal advice and help in hard situations through this entire process. She knew every single law and process that we would go through and she explained it to me all along the way so that I always knew what to expect. She fought for the safety and well being of my children through and through. She was by my side for multiple tough mediations and she always stayed stoic, strong, steadfast, and she would not be bullied around. She also made sure that if I was being unrealistic she made sure that she told me the hard things so that I was prepared for every scenario we could go through in this process. She is absolutely hands down the best child custody lawyer. She cares, she is smart, she is understanding, patient, she gives everything into her cases. I knew during the time that we were going through our custody case she had other cases going on in her life, but she was always available to help me. She made this really really scary process seem doable because she walked me through it and constantly cared/checked in on us. Fast forward through our custody battle, and she was then my lawyer for our childrens adoption. It was such a beautiful thing to be able to share that day with the woman that made it possible, Nicole Hines. If you are looking for someone who knows child and family law, and need someone who will hear your story and help, she is the person you need. She is such an amazing person who works so very hard for her clients. I can't explain that enough, she cares! She also is beyond smart. She knows the law and knows how to make sure it is applied in all situations. Without Nicole Hines I know our child custody case would not have had the amazing outcome that it had. If you are in a scary place and need the help of a lawyer, I 100 percent recommend Nicole, there is no one better! I am so very thankful to have found Nicole Hines, she made my family whole.
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25 Jun, 2023 by Christa
I frequently have procedural questions about the legal process and Nicole has been able to help me better understand the court system.
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25 Jun, 2023 by Natalie
Nicole is a gem. Helpful - knowledgeable- kind- attentive and sensitive to important matters.
She is truly the best!
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06 Mar, 2024 by Gia wees
Mr. Braun was my lawyer. I hired him for a restraining order against the person who sexually assaulted me brutally. I was just 16. Not only did he get the job done in the best way possible, he made sure I was okay the entire time and didn't let anyone bully me in court. We won. I was relieved and frankly he had saved my life. Getting that guy away from me was the best thing ever. Do not hesitate, hire this guy. He is awesome. Professional, compassionate, and extremely efficient. If I ever need a lawyer again, he will be my lawyer.
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12 Jul, 2018 by Paul
Tom represented me in my divorce. He manages his team like a well oiled locomotive. Very organized and capable of managing complex circumstances.
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05 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Tom represented me last year in a domestic abuse case where my ex-girlfriend accused me of abusing her. Tom was professional and aggressive in my defense. The jury found me not guilty after only 45 mintues of deliberation. I would highly reccomend Tom to anyone accused of a crime.
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25 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
If you need an honest advice and help call Chanda. She helped me when I needed advice and help on legal matters. She was prompt to answer, pleasant to work with and a true professional! I would highly recommend working with her!
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04 Mar, 2024 by Larry
Aurora is very knowledgeable and thorough in her work. She helped provide guidance in my situation and helped me make educated choices to protect myself.
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26 May, 2022 by Michael ablan
the attorney seems to have good attention to detail with regard to documents.
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04 Mar, 2021 by Alisa fitzgerald
Tammy was recommended to me from my previous lawyer who had retired and I never thought I'd be able to find another lawyer like my last one, boy was I wrong she is very caring, compassionate, understanding and will work with you through thick and thin she stayed with me after hours on weekends for hours we put everything we had in my case. My case was a very complicated stressful custody case and she stood by me through my worries countless emails and phone calls I'm sure I drove her crazy at times lol and her awesome assistant Kelly but she always was upbeat listened and was there for my son and me.
I felt like I needed to write this review to help people out there in a tough situation like custody and family law she is worth every penny and yes it can be expensive but it is worth fighting for your child/children because children are unreplaceable and they are a precious gift from God. Do everything you can for you children they need you and also if it's court related go with Tammy Shefelbine you won't be disappointed. Thank you to Dunlap & Seeger.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Brent
Got problems, Mike will make them better. Great guy to work with.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Acina
I couldn’t have asked for better representation. He got my case dropped before I even had to appear in court again. Even before all that, I felt like I was in good hands if I was to take my case to trial. I give him 100/10.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Karl luiken
Michael Schatz is a young, confident, knowledgeable Attorney. Michael will listen to you AND is easy to talk with. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael to anyone.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Adkins was both kind and knowledgable. We ended the case even better than I had dared hope. I absolutely would recommend him to anyone in need of a Lawyer.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Manuel arteaga
Excellent representation from Jay Adkins! Would highly recommend to anyone. Had my felony DWI fully dismissed. He was very detailed in the court room, so I know he put alot of work into it. Thanks Jay!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Melissa rongve
Jay Adkins was a very great lawyer to work with, he was efficient and always answered all my questions in a timely manner. He cares about his client and goes the distance for them.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Manuel arteaga
Excellent representation from Jay Adkins! Would highly recommend to anyone. Had my felony DWI fully dismissed. He was very detailed in the court room, so I know he put alot of work into it. Thanks Jay!
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11 Jul, 2024 by Melissa rongve
Jay Adkins was a very great lawyer to work with, he was efficient and always answered all my questions in a timely manner. He cares about his client and goes the distance for them.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Royal johnson
Excellent representation by Jay. 2 felony counts that ended up not seeing a courtroom and fully dismissed. Excellent attorney, also very open to hearing what you have to say. I referred him to another case, felony level -not mine, and also didn’t see a court room with an excellent outcome. His your guy.
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28 Jun, 2024 by Malik hilton
Having Austin has been my best experience with an attorney. Very reasonably priced. I was facing a mandatory 60 months sentence and his representation of me got me off with a disposition. He speaks elaborately, and fluently. His court room experience was very reassuring. I was very appreciative how he was able to break things down and make things easy for me to understand. He covered all the bases, and had realistic goals and expectations of me to help me with my case. I would recommend to anybody and if I ever find myself in trouble again I will be contacting him immediately.
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26 Apr, 2024 by Maria anunciada carlos de mendonca
Very good food and professionalism with the client. The best.🥰
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01 Apr, 2024 by Mohammed aljanabi
Well she is the best attorney I met here ,,,,,
she is very flexible in everything she didn’t put money first instead your case !!!! actually not easy to find people like that
I sent to many friends to her office and they are very satisfied
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03 Oct, 2024 by Michael stiff
They are my heroes!
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16 Jul, 2024 by Glen bickford jr
Great people, amazing communication!
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15 Jul, 2024 by Francisco c
Great experience working with Kohlmeyer Hagen! I've been translating on behalf of a family member who only speaks spanish and Chris Cain and his assistant Taylor specifically have been wonderful in responsiveness, specificity, and clarity in their communications both while dealing with the case as well as afterwards. Awesome job!
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4.6
11 Reviews
4.3
29 Reviews
26 Jun, 2024 by Jeremy friese
Jill is practical, professional, and talented. Do everything you can to avoid divorce - but if it becomes the best thing for you and your family, call Jill.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Jessie senst
Jill, and her team, did an amazing job start to finish. She was efficient and kept the case moving forward. She is fair, direct, and doesn’t miss detail. She was able to help us settle in mediation to avoid the cost of court. I would highly recommend Jill and her team, for anyone looking for good representation in Family Law.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Josee prudhomme
Very pleasant staff members, they’re easy to work with!
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.3
29 Reviews
26 Jun, 2024 by Jeremy friese
Jill is practical, professional, and talented. Do everything you can to avoid divorce - but if it becomes the best thing for you and your family, call Jill.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Jessie senst
Jill, and her team, did an amazing job start to finish. She was efficient and kept the case moving forward. She is fair, direct, and doesn’t miss detail. She was able to help us settle in mediation to avoid the cost of court. I would highly recommend Jill and her team, for anyone looking for good representation in Family Law.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Josee prudhomme
Very pleasant staff members, they’re easy to work with!
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.3
29 Reviews
26 Jun, 2024 by Jeremy friese
Jill is practical, professional, and talented. Do everything you can to avoid divorce - but if it becomes the best thing for you and your family, call Jill.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Jessie senst
Jill, and her team, did an amazing job start to finish. She was efficient and kept the case moving forward. She is fair, direct, and doesn’t miss detail. She was able to help us settle in mediation to avoid the cost of court. I would highly recommend Jill and her team, for anyone looking for good representation in Family Law.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Josee prudhomme
Very pleasant staff members, they’re easy to work with!
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14 Feb, 2019 by Rob
We had an issue that was out of our families control and Mr. Murakami came recommended from a few people we knew. I contacted him, he sat down with the wife and I, and was able to resolve the issues we had in a fair and honest way. For any other matters we will use him again and highly recommend him.
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25 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Murakami was courteous and professional in his office setting, but on more than one occasion after I'd hired him, I called the office regarding a couple of fairly straightforward questions, and he never returned my calls. I understand attorneys are busy, but he could have at least had his paralegal or other staff call me to try to help if he couldn't. Also, he was unable to appear in court with me, and had a colleague appear in his place. I just wish he would have called ahead to notify me of this to see if I wanted to wait for him, because I was used to him instead of having someone I had never met before show up in his place. The colleague was professional in court, and things went fairly well at the time. However, a debtor that I thought had been dissolved have been showing up on paper that should not be. I realize the legal landscape can be ever-changing and this event may not be the fault of Mr. Murakami.
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06 May, 2015 by Diane
I hired Mr. Murakami for several matters over the past few years. He and his firm have provided excellent representation in court, and with great success. I'm totally happy and have 100% confidence in him as an attorney. He will be the first one I call again if I have future legal needs.
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27 May, 2024 by Elaine jedlicka
I have never written an attorney review, but this one was necessary!!
Danielle Difiore' at Anderson DiFiore, PLLC has gone above and beyond for our daughter. She made decisions I didn't always understand until the outcome, but she told me in our first meeting to trust her judgment and decisions throughout the case. I asked her to protect my daughter's voice and choice. And she did just that. And I am so glad I just listened to her, followed her and bit my tongue when I was worried it might not work. She has helped us protect our daughter. A lawyer is always expensive, and she is, but she is worth every dime and deserves every dime. Our case has been long and drawn out for years, but she was brave and took on the many filings in this case. She didn't care about winning or losing (she takes risks), she didn't care about background (a very broken situation), or even the money (allows payment plans), she cared about the child in the case and that has been so clear from day one. She has put in so much time, effort and care. My family calls her the chihuahua, she might be small, but don't let that fool you, she's feisty and fiery. Danielle is ready to put on a fight where it is needed. I don't think she knows just how much my family and I appreciate her and what she has done and continues to do to help us legally protect our daughter's voice. She's an amazingly kind human being, don't let that tough exterior fool you, she uses that for court and it's intimidating for sure, she can read anyone! And boy does she know how to use her abundance of knowledge where necessary, her filings are impeccable, her arguments flawless. I have had my fair share of legalities and meetings with attorneys. They were either for the average millionaire, unavailable, uninformed, too scared to rock the boat or take risks, or just didn't care at all, but there is no one better than Danielle. If you're honest (and you better be, she will read you) and if you can relinquish control, she will take your case where it needs to be. She will care about the child. Hire her now!
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15 Apr, 2024 by Gabriel kohn
Danielle was an absolutely amazing attorney. She won handily both times we had to go to court over my custody agreement. She was more than available whenever I had questions, and was a perfect representation for me and my family. I wouldn't trust anybody with my children's future with me more than this firm. I owe them way more than I ever had to pay.
Also, I couldn't be more proud that she got her name on the door while she was representing me. She absolutely deserves it, and I would recommend her to anybody who asked!
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04 Dec, 2023 by Darren eheliyagoda
Danielle Difiore best of the best!
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31 May, 2024 by Jeremiah wencl
Very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy.
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06 May, 2024 by Jason fink
I would highly recommend Restovich Braun and Associates to anyone that needs expert criminal defense counsel.
I was facing a 3rd Degree DUI charge that was the result of illegal expansion of a basic traffic stop by a young, inexperienced Highway Patrol officer. Dan McIntosh focused in on every detail and picked the officer apart at the Contested Omnibus Hearing. In turn all charges were dropped, and my license revocation was rescinded. I have multiple professional licenses with the State of Minnesota that were in jeopardy had I not won my case.
DUI cases are winnable if you have the right representation. Dan McIntosh gets the job done!!!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Elly blanco
I am so happy I hired this firm. They are super responsive, diligent, knowledgeable, and kind. I got the outcome I wanted and couldn’t have been more grateful. Thank you all so much for the hard work.
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18 Oct, 2023 by Kate jirik
Partnering with LAOC for the Wills Clinic for Seniors was a great experience! Great staff that seem to go above and beyond to meet the needs they can. Kate Jirik, Elder Network
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20 Mar, 2023 by Michael
Nobhelp
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15 Feb, 2023 by Sean lloyd
Was hung up on and called back and sent to voice-mail evertime I called back don't waste your time here
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14 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Referee Baker oversaw my divorce case. Right from the beginning she showed extreme impatience, and favoritism. There was a double set of standards whereas one side consistently violated the stipulations, yet when brought to her attention, no enforcement was taken. Yet when the opposing side was simply late on filing and contested, she immediately ruled in favor and gave short timeliness. Tens of thousands of dollars were wasted in legal fees in providing undeniable facts, yet she took the position of it no longer matters. It was simply unbelievable to see how consistently she would make rulings on minuscule issues of little concern, yet turn a blind eye to other huge financial issues of squandered resources by the opposing party. I have dealt with many referees in settling many small claim actions regarding unpaid client accounts over decades of business management, and by far she has clearly displayed bias regardless of the facts presented. One thing for sure, you will win or lose simply based upon one thing right from the beginning. Which Attorney & Client does she favor. The facts otherwise are irrelevant.
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14 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
Gail told me I did not have to take off work for the court date, she would be there to handle everything.
She didn't even show up and of course I lost.
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27 Sep, 2013 by Robin/kesha
No communication throughout the process, Never tried to protect my child even though abuser was charged with felony. Worked against me with all issues. Was late twice to court leaving me very anxious at the start of the court proceedings. Would not listen to my concerns. Always seemed to be for the other side. Very disorganized and seemed nervous when opposing attorney presented lies against me.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Seven months into my custody battle (and a ridiculous $22K spent with little to show for it), Mr Rolsch started ignoring all communication. He then suddenly withdrew during a VERY critical time in my case, leaving me with no Atty or money. I am obviously not happy with his services and do not recommend him. His legal assistant however, is great!
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20 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Steve to represent me in my child custody case. At the time I had no idea that he was the same attorney that represented my uncle in a divorce were my he lost almost everything. He also grew up with the opposing party in my custody case. I had thought that he was a genuine straight up attorney that was good at his job. I took out a loan for $3,000 and that was gone in no time but I thought to myself that custody cases are expensive and that is the way it has to be. Another $5,000 and I now owe him a thousand still. We never once made it to court and he was sitting there billing me for calls he never had to make to me in the first place because he knew my answer to settling. I smartened up and got another attorney to handle the rest of my case. I hope as many people as possible get a chance to read this before they hire him. I also plan on speaking to an attorney about taking him to court to be repaid the money that was spent on the services that he did not deliver on. To all I wish the best. God Bless You.
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24 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
I'm not just a bitter former client I can justify my rating. Trustworthy, I had to call Mr rolsch to remind him of my court date in which we never ended up speaking with each other prior to that date. Responsive, Months went by without speaking with Mr rolsch and when I would try to call him the only response I would get was a $75 bill for listening to my voice mail but never did hear from him. Knowledgeable, he billed me for hours and hours of research for a dwi case. That is the bread and butter of any defense attorney, why would he need to spend that much time researching unless he was just padding the bill. He never did come up with even a remote defense plan even after I offered a few avenues which I still regret pursuing after speaking with other attorneys. Kept me informed, I was never even sure he would show up in court not to mention have anything to tell me about my case.
BEWARE
when I first spoke with Mr rolsch I explained to him that I could pay him only an agreed upon amount (already 2 times higher than everyone else) he said that was fine unless we had to go to trial. Six months after my case was over I received a bill for 3 times that amount. He ended up taking me to small claims for it. When I showed up for court I found that the entire courtroom was filled with his former clients with the same story. I was always told you pay for what you get and that's why I went with rolsch but there isn't one aspect of his business conduct I would recommend.
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12 May, 2022 by Anonymous
This man was court appointed to represent me and lost my case. He has absolutely no idea how to represent anyone as an attorney and is not knowledgeable. He subpoenaed no witnesses for me. He subpoenaed no professionals to testify. He submitted no court documents. I might as well have had absolutely no attorney and he was a waste. I found a legal complaint against him.
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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.
