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04 Nov, 2019 by Lexus es
Worst law firm ever, Attorneys have some kind of weird attitude. Especially Ms. Mary Talmachoff, she is a mean lady with rude behavior. Do not go there at all.
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15 Mar, 2018 by De dorp
Very nice people and very easy to work with.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Amy
Noelle helped me with my mess in Nevada County. She was incredible. She helped with a nasty child custoday case and she never backed down and fought for me in a horrible good old boy system up there. Noelle is a great attorney and brutally honest with you.
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29 Jun, 2022 by D moraru
Stay away from Cobalt Realty!!! Never evere use their services!!! Their agent never contacted, never responded to my emails and voice messages. Not even when I called the sgency for help with closing on the house. They made a comission on my purchase, but I went through the buying process all alone with the SALES agent (yes, the sales agent helped me, the buyer) and my mortgage broker, who did a lot of what Cobalt should have done. I advise buyers to think twice before using Cobalt for their homme purchase. I am planning to file an official complaint and request an inestigation with the appropriate organizations.
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29 Jan, 2021 by Tricia hunstock
Spencer is the best! I highly recommend him as an excellent realtor! He has helped me buy a vacation home and a primary home in the last 6 month.
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31 Jul, 2018 by Rondell wiley
We would highly recommend Colton with Colbalt Real Estate. We had dealt with other agents in the past and they were unable to sell our property. Colton went above and beyond dealing with cantankerous neighbors. He was so successful selling our property and in getting us a great price that we decided to have him list our home for sale. Again he did a great job getting us the price we wanted and in a great time frame. Colton was always available and did a great job answering all of our questions.
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27 May, 2023 by Kareem
Beware of this Lawyer , I ran into her at the Center for fathers and family , Which is a program to help fathers with fatherhood , Michelle was there giving lower priced family lawyer services . I thought everything was great until my first cvourt date , I was late , just as my childs mother had been or not arrived b4 but her lawyer stepped in for her , Michelle did not even bother to show up to court she claimed to have had a rep there in her place but he did not step up on my behalf or even bother to give me a call and he would have found out I was twenty minutes away , But the case was called which lead to me losing my rights . I take my part for bieng late but this is the start , this women openly admitted to me that she within a six month time frame did not have time to look over my case . I lost my case on a technicality , Basically I hired her For Trial , when I missed that court date , I lost my rights and only had six months to file an appeal , I didint know that which is why I had hired her as a lwayer to know the things i dont know . But instead of filling a apeal I was going back and forth to court and mediation for over a year and a half just to be told in court that the apeal time had ended over a year ago . so we had been going back and fourth to court and mediation 3 or 4 times over a year and a half just to get told that I had lost all rights when I did not appeal almost a year prior , I should mention that I was in trial for a case that a judge had already made a ruling on in a prior case but she never looked at my prior cases to evenn know that , and thats her own words "i didint hve time" . Not to mention one of the reasons we where back and fourth to court and mediation so many times within that year and a half period is because Michelle Trigger emailed service to my child's mom instead of mailing it or in person which the judge stated in open court , so he gave us another court date which sent us back into mediation and then back to court by the time i got back into court the six month apeal time had passed . time passed and I wrote reviews about Michelle , first she threatened to sue me then she said it was a misunderstanding and said she would take my cae for free , even though I had already paid her , this turned out to be a strategic move to get to to remove my reviews as she never did anything or submitted anything into court on my behalf , which was critical because at the time my daughters mom was incarcerated which gave nme the perfect opportunity toi get custody . In the hands of my childs mom one child , my son has been killed and she now has 6 CPS cases with my daughter , and continues to do drugs . I thought as a woman and as A family lawyer this would be Michelles biggest concern , getting a child out of harms way and also undoing her wrong in bieng negligent in my first case , but she never submitted one document in over six months , I begged and pleaded with this women to just respond and she ignored me for months . AGAIN BUYER BEWARE
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29 Jan, 2021 by Roo
I simply love Michelle Trigger she will get the job done professionally in or out of court, she knows what she's doing and I would strongly recommend her to anyone who needs the job done she helped me with my custody case and I won that case and now I have my daughter in my care safe and sound and I am very happy with the end result thanks to Michelle trigger for all her hard work
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24 Nov, 2019 by Amber
Michelle is great at what she does. I highly recommend hiring her as your Attorney. A friend recommended me contacting Michelle for a second opinion about my case. When the Public Defender given to me almost had me convinced pleading guilty would be a good decision since it was an older case. Well I was looking at a DUI , Driving on suspension, position an multiple other counts. Number one I WASN’T driving an yes I did have drugs on me Bt. Since then I can say I’m 3 yrs sober a Leader in Celebrate Recovery an I work at a pharmacy. My life has changed completely I wasn’t guilty. For the things I was guilty of I was no longer that person. Once I contacted Mrs Trigger she told me from the gate Never plead guilty to a crime never committed 5 years ago or anytime. Long story short we went in with confidence an a plan. With Michelle’s knowledge of the law an skills ALL counts against me have been dropped. Hiring Michelle was the best decision I could have made. She’s an amazing person an again great at what she does . Definitely worth hiring She will fight by your side until the end. Thank you Trigger law!!
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02 Jan, 2019 by Kryan4u
John Haluck is a fantastic and ethical attorney. Brilliant trial attorney. He has the special skill set that few have. Highly rated. Ken McDonough
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17 Oct, 2018 by One advanced
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10 Oct, 2024 by Kyleigh glover
Tom is truly the best at what he does. He works hard to accurately represent his clients and is incredibly responsive as well. All good things to say about him and his team!
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10 Oct, 2024 by Clare kochis
Tom was professional, listened and worked hard to settle our case in a timely manner. Would 100% recommend having him as your lawyer!!
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29 Mar, 2024 by Manasa malek
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29 May, 2015 by Curtis
This guy is the reason for jokes about lawyers..He is the type you dont want to hire because he lacks any care for his clients..He is very arrogant and seems to justify his behavior in order to burn up your retainer..I spent 11 grand with Mr. Martinez's and all I got was a ton of filed paperwork which did nothing to advance my divorce settelement in fact he was aware of a settlement offer 2 months before acknowleging it existed allowing him to burn up the remainder of my retainer at which point he asked for another $5,000..After I informed him that I couldnt afford it he then told me I should take the settlement offer that he claims he knew nothing about... All I can say is DO NOT hire George Martinez for any type of legal representation, He is a disgrace to all the good attorneys out there...And FYI, when a client dismisses him he will keep filing paperwork with the court and sends you the bill and if you dont pay he will take you to small claims...Cmon George, waiting for your carefully worded and condescending rebuttal...
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29 Apr, 2014 by Calvin
George and his entire staff was always available when I needed them. They kept me up to date on all issues concerning my case. They communicated promptly and always had my best interest and well being in mind. Their advice was always helpful and greatly appreciated. George and his staff were always helpful, compassionate, available, friendly, empathetic, and respectful of the situation that I was dealing with. It was the most difficult time in my life and they treated me like family, which was a great comfort to me! I would definitely recommend George and his entire office to my family and friends. If I ever need an attorney again, George will be my first call. Calvin
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03 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I'm going to get right to the point. He is all talk & that's it. You will be sorry if you hire him just like I am. The only thing you can count on him for, is a huge bill, that's it. Because I took his advice thinking that was why I hired him in the first place ended up costing me my entire future. My ex & his lawyer made us an offer & even put it in writing, I thought it was pretty good but Martinez insisted & had me convinced we could do better & recommended that we turn it down and so I did. I headed into the (MSC) with not a worry in the world believing in everything he had been telling me for over the last year & a half. Nothing could have prepared me for how he handled it, I was in shock & ah & freaking out in no time at all. He had my life in his hands at this point and I trusted him with it and his only words to me were "well, something is better than nothing" after they threw us a new offer taking it down from a total pay-off of a half million to now a total pay-off being $186k, & that's all he had to say to me, I was on my own at that point to make the right call. When I needed my lawyer the most is when I saw what he was really made of & that's why I'm writing this review. I want everybody to know ahead of time before it's to late like it is for me now that he's not made of anything good. He is so bad that it should be against the law for someone like Martinez to be a lawyer, letting the average person think it's safe to trust him with so much at risk. Well it is what it is now and it was a hard lesson learned and hopefully by telling all of you a piece of the story you won't make the same mistake. Oh, & where it stands now is with him wanting to sue me for the remainder of what I owe him and the least he will do is send it into collections and screw me one last time, isn't he sweet?
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21 Jul, 2014 by Jeff
Maria failed to file documents with the court in a timely manner resulting in lengthy unnecessary delays. She also knew very little about the time it would take for the court to do various things. She gave us an unreasonable estimate about the length of time it would take to complete the case. She underestimated the time it would take by several months.
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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:

  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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