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22 Apr, 2013 by Stavros
I hired Ms. Meekay for her to review some business contracts for me. From the time I first met her, she exemplified knowledge, confidence, professionalism and courtesy. She is a great attorney to work with and she's also prompt, responsive, and has great attention to detail. She is easy to work with and her fees are very reasonable. She handled my legal matter to 100 percent of my satisfaction and I highly recommend her.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Jonathan lee
When hiring a lawyer, one must consider several factors for what is a significant and important decision that could determine the trajectory of your life. Is this lawyer competent at their area of expertise? Does this lawyer treat their clients with respect and as a person and not simply a case number? Does this lawyer have the personality and moral demeanor that best represents you and your interests? Will this lawyer be transparent and communicative?
Jason Holley is all of these things. He has dedicated his career to helping others and continues to do so daily at his practice. Do not hesitate to have a consultation with him and choose him to represent you.
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18 Aug, 2024 by Brent maxfield
Bob and Jason have always been an amazing resources for me over the years. I can’t thank them enough for the great work they have done for me professionally.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Maggie lin
15 Aug, 2024 by Jaime guajardo
Grass por su gran trabajo esta mos muy contents por su trabajo que nos brindaron
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05 Dec, 2023 by Adriana barron
In the midst of a nerve-wracking situation, I was feeling pretty stuck and anxious. But life had a surprise in store for me. I happened to stumble upon Miss Marion Titus. Right from the get-go, she had this calm and professional vibe that instantly made me feel better. She took the time to break down the whole process for me, making sure I understood everything that is happening. She explained everything in a way that even a regular person like me could understand. It was like a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the confusion. But the real kicker is that her service was actually affordable relative to her amazing skills, her legal service was way more reasonable compared to those other lawyers I have talked to andI had checked out before. It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Looking back, I can't help but think it was fate that brought Atty Marion Titus and Bulldog Law Sacramento into my life.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Maria
Miss Madeleine Ann Tabor is a crème of the crop of our legal resources in California. She is very knowledgeable, professional with excellent communication skills. She took time to explain to me my options about my issue on my pension plan from a previous employer. It is so rare especially here in California to find a high caliber lawyer like Miss Tabor, who possess genuine empathy and sincere caring towards clients they are assisting. I would refer anyone who needs consultation or legal issues to Miss Tabor.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Michael huang
Attorney Chan is truly the best of the best--a distinguished attorney and exceptional advocate known for his unwavering commitment to justice, truth, and the rights of his clients. He consistently goes above and beyond, cutting through media biases and propaganda to uncover the truth. In court, he relentlessly fights against corruption, protecting the rights of the defendant and exposing the truth within the justice system. His unique qualities make him highly recommended.
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23 Jul, 2024 by Trevor adams
This guy used to be a prosecutor. He is very good at helping defendants prove themselves over the course of time patterns of behavior that a public defender just can't offer.
His drawback for me was that he was so busy and we had conflicting schedules, so it was difficult to maintain communication. Otherwise, he's an outstanding lawyer. Very good reputation in court from what I gather.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Kristie hernandez
I was represented by Mr. Chan for my case at the beginning of 2023. From the first meeting to the resolution, Mr. Chan was very knowledge, straightforward and understanding of my situation and truly cared about the outcome of my case. I went to multiple criminal defense attorneys before I hired him, and he is the only one who didn't judge me for my mistakes I made and treated me like a normal person. I would highly recommend him!!
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30 May, 2024 by Blair goss
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brooks at a charitable function that he was hosting and he made a terrific impression. We traded war stories and the amount of experience and expertise he has was very apparent. I would confidently recommend him based on that alone, but have also heard of his stellar reputation elsewhere making this recommendation even easier.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Marc maskowitz
20 Dec, 2023 by Debbra holler
01 Dec, 2023 by Robert leinweber
Matthew Becker is hands down the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure dealing with.
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17 Nov, 2023 by James rohn
Richard is extremely knowledgeable and helps the underdog
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20 Apr, 2023 by Dimitrius taylor
Best lawyer in Sacramento , very helpful and he knew what he was doing, i would recommend him to anyone .
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30 Sep, 2024 by Lisa clawson
Leanna Neal was very helpful and gave me a ton of legal advice. I would highly recommend this firm.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Christina casas
Poor. They are NOT Jesus people. Do not be fooled ! The positive ads are false. Be careful everyone! Advertisement is also misleading.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Carrie cheney
I recently inquired about a medical malpractice suit and Leanna Neal was extremely helpful although they did not take my case, she did give me resources to other attnys to help me. Leanna was very professional and I highly recommend Moseley Collins. Thank you Leanna.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Lisa clawson
Leanna Neal was very helpful and gave me a ton of legal advice. I would highly recommend this firm.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Christina casas
Poor. They are NOT Jesus people. Do not be fooled ! The positive ads are false. Be careful everyone! Advertisement is also misleading.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Carrie cheney
I recently inquired about a medical malpractice suit and Leanna Neal was extremely helpful although they did not take my case, she did give me resources to other attnys to help me. Leanna was very professional and I highly recommend Moseley Collins. Thank you Leanna.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Rubioscleaning
When I first Matt with Matt, I knew he was the right person for the job, he’s very knowledgeable, trustworthy and honest. Has resolved a couple of my family issues and I have referred him to my brother-in-law as well as some of my clients and they are beyond happy to have used his services.
When it comes to professionalism and being well represented, Matthew Roy is a person i trust.
Jesus R.
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10 Sep, 2024 by بن يحي
20 Jul, 2024 by Rosalie smith-comisky
Matthew was very detailed in my case. His team kept in touch with me and always answered every question I had. I highly recommend him when ever you need someone that cares and will do a good job.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Rubioscleaning
When I first Matt with Matt, I knew he was the right person for the job, he’s very knowledgeable, trustworthy and honest. Has resolved a couple of my family issues and I have referred him to my brother-in-law as well as some of my clients and they are beyond happy to have used his services.
When it comes to professionalism and being well represented, Matthew Roy is a person i trust.
Jesus R.
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10 Sep, 2024 by بن يحي
20 Jul, 2024 by Rosalie smith-comisky
Matthew was very detailed in my case. His team kept in touch with me and always answered every question I had. I highly recommend him when ever you need someone that cares and will do a good job.
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5.0
3 Reviews
4.8
227 Reviews
27 Sep, 2024 by Margie bunton
Ed Fong is excellent! I had many questions and he’s truly a wealth of information. Thank you!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Pete padron
They did amazing work Patient with me every step of the way I couldn’t be more grateful and apperceive all of there hard work thank you again for helping me along the way!!!!!!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Cara trapani
As a fellow workplace investigator, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Christina through the Association of Workplace Investigators. Christina is deeply committed to creating inclusive and equitable workplace environments. She excels in navigating complex workplace conflicts and always takes time to support her clients and colleagues. I feel so lucky to know Christina!
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22 Sep, 2024 by Andrea chavez
Quick and fast at reaching back. Ty
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18 Sep, 2024 by G elvir
I was referred to Daniel Martin, but I didn't think we would use them, we just had questions. Truthfully I didn't have any idea how to deal with this type of situation so I chose to hire Daniel and I'm glad I did. Daniel guided us through a process that was completely foreign to us. We did not have the time nor the knowledge to fully understand how to handle the paperwork, our rights, and the court process. Daniel was patient, non-judgmental, and understanding. Throughout the process, I messaged him often and he'd answer right away or let me know he would get back to me as soon as he could. He never left me hanging nor waiting around. He answered all of our questions and communicated that he would do his job to dismiss the case, which is exactly what happened. I would highly recommend Daniel and the firm. First time I have felt that a lawyer was honest, sincere, and on my side. Thank you Daniel.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Cindy gonzález
10 out of 10, highly recommend, do not look else where! Hendrick is amazing! I originally retained him when I was charged with resisting arrest about 3 years ago. A day before my first court date Hendrick took my case and from that point forward took care of EVERYTHING. Fast forward to 2024 my husband was facing a felony charge that could carry a 3 year sentence, Hendrick was able to negotiate time served, home detention for 30 days and his immediate release. Definitely highly recommend that you contact Hendricks law firm and let them represent you in your legal matter, you will not regret it! Thank you so much Hendrick! My family and I will always appreciate what you have done for us!
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.7
63 Reviews
19 Aug, 2024 by Christopher edwards
They are so professional, kind, and are so active in the community. They approach each case with care and thoughtfulness, and they really listen. Overall amazing experience!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Mical
I had a telephone consultation scheduled at 5:30 a couple days ago. Waited for 20 minutes, no call. I called the number I originally called and the receptionist said she would send a message to the lawyers. So I waited some more. I still received no call that day. That was 2 days ago. I never heard back from them.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Richard engel
I have known Alexandra and Alea for a number of years and the team work they bring to clients is outstanding. They are caring and compassionate with their clients and bring a thoughtful, modern approach to problem solving.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Abraham espinoza
Compass law group was amazing. They helped me deal with a tough case in which I was a passenger in a vehicle accident. They were very attentive, and stayed in contact with me through the entire process, making it as easy as possible for me. I would definitely recommend them.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Rubioscleaning
When I first Matt with Matt, I knew he was the right person for the job, he’s very knowledgeable, trustworthy and honest. Has resolved a couple of my family issues and I have referred him to my brother-in-law as well as some of my clients and they are beyond happy to have used his services.
When it comes to professionalism and being well represented, Matthew Roy is a person i trust.
Jesus R.
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10 Sep, 2024 by بن يحي
20 Jul, 2024 by Rosalie smith-comisky
Matthew was very detailed in my case. His team kept in touch with me and always answered every question I had. I highly recommend him when ever you need someone that cares and will do a good job.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Margie bunton
Ed Fong is excellent! I had many questions and he’s truly a wealth of information. Thank you!
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12 Sep, 2024 by Pete padron
They did amazing work Patient with me every step of the way I couldn’t be more grateful and apperceive all of there hard work thank you again for helping me along the way!!!!!!
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01 Aug, 2024 by Cara trapani
As a fellow workplace investigator, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Christina through the Association of Workplace Investigators. Christina is deeply committed to creating inclusive and equitable workplace environments. She excels in navigating complex workplace conflicts and always takes time to support her clients and colleagues. I feel so lucky to know Christina!
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Margie bunton
Ed Fong is excellent! I had many questions and he’s truly a wealth of information. Thank you!
Read more
12 Sep, 2024 by Pete padron
They did amazing work Patient with me every step of the way I couldn’t be more grateful and apperceive all of there hard work thank you again for helping me along the way!!!!!!
Read more
01 Aug, 2024 by Cara trapani
As a fellow workplace investigator, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Christina through the Association of Workplace Investigators. Christina is deeply committed to creating inclusive and equitable workplace environments. She excels in navigating complex workplace conflicts and always takes time to support her clients and colleagues. I feel so lucky to know Christina!
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25 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Like most family in crisis, we need a good lawyer. We were fortunate to have Stephen on our side. During the process, he was very helpful, accommodating, prompt responses and reassured us the positive outcome. He handled with professionalism, integrity, and due diligence as it was an internal family matter that could turn into disaster. He was able to sought out the settlement that worked out best for all of us.
It is hard to find a lawyer with high respect for human dignity, compassion and kindness. We highly recommend him.
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01 May, 2019 by Lori
Family law can b/stressful, painful & overwhelming. Mr. Mulnick made the process easier t/understand & navigate, & fought for what was best for my daughter. Mr. Mulnick has the ability t/remained focus on the issues at hand, not b/muddled by drama or negative litigants. He consistently & artfully brings conflict t/an end for the betterment of his clients, communicates effectively w/opposing parties & advocates in a professional & knowledgeable arena. I would recommend his services without hesitation!
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22 Aug, 2017 by Lucy
I thought my lawyer was very thorough, and was always there in court for support. He was mindful of grandmas feelings and was open to any advice. He was kind and helpful when going over paper work and making suggestions.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Laura
Working with Tatiana on my final divorce agreement was such a great comfort. She’s so knowledgeable and explains everything clearly. Protected me on things I didn’t realize that I needed and always got back to me quickly. It made the whole process so much better, so less stressful. I can’t thank her enough. I highly highly recommend her.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Perry conzen
Excellent experience. We are in another state across the country and the Huber Fox group represented us with the upmost of expertise and kept us abreast of all changes and issues in the legal process . This process ended with great results.
Thank you !
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05 Aug, 2024 by Joyce andrews
Our meting with Hannah was a delight. I so appreciated her kindness and especially towards my husband's dementia. She thoroughly reviewed our trusts and found everything to be in order. To all the questions we had her explanations were clarifying and really helpful. The whole experience was a total blessing from God!
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24 Aug, 2024 by Winston hall
Want to start off and tell her thank you she has been a blessing in disguise it was a long process but the outcome was great I would recommend her to anybody
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21 Aug, 2024 by Perfe
Agradecido con su asesoría de mi parte los recomiendo
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05 Aug, 2024 by Fabiana juan
Hola mi nombre es Fabiana,yo tuve un accidente de auto móvil
Ase próximamente 8 meses, la firma del abogado Geremias, se encargo y llebo mi caso, ante la aseguradora, y pues se logró se obtuvieron el máximo dinero posible en el acuerdo, el límite total de la póliza, y ellos negociaron de las facturas, y pues estoy contenta, porque ellos lograron reducirlo, significame que yo les recomiendo, la firma del abogado Geremias con su trabajo y su equipo, y si tú llegas a tener un accidente de auto móvil,accidente laborales, no dejes pasar mucho tiempo, comunícate inmediatamente con el abogado Geremias, el te ayudará con tu caso...
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19 Aug, 2024 by Christopher edwards
They are so professional, kind, and are so active in the community. They approach each case with care and thoughtfulness, and they really listen. Overall amazing experience!
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10 Aug, 2024 by Mical
I had a telephone consultation scheduled at 5:30 a couple days ago. Waited for 20 minutes, no call. I called the number I originally called and the receptionist said she would send a message to the lawyers. So I waited some more. I still received no call that day. That was 2 days ago. I never heard back from them.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Richard engel
I have known Alexandra and Alea for a number of years and the team work they bring to clients is outstanding. They are caring and compassionate with their clients and bring a thoughtful, modern approach to problem solving.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Robert
Attorney Jason Hopper and the team at Lewellen Strebe Hopper Family Law, provided outstanding support and expertise in our pursuit of legal custody for our granddaughter. From the start, Jason's deep knowledge of family law and compassionate approach made a significant difference. He guided us through every step with clear, actionable advice and was always available to address our concerns.
His meticulous preparation and strategy options were crucial in achieving a successful outcome. Jason’s genuine care and emotional support were invaluable during this challenging time. Thanks to his exceptional work, we were granted custody and now have the stability we sought for our granddaughter. We highly recommend Jason and the rest of the team at Lewellen Strebe Hopper for their skill, dedication, and genuine compassion.
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18 Nov, 2023 by A g
I would highly recommend considering this office for your legal needs.
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25 Mar, 2023 by Jasmine mines
Rick Morin was my opposing counsel on a case. His office is great to work with. He’s professional and friendly. Thank you
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18 Nov, 2023 by A g
I would highly recommend considering this office for your legal needs.
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25 Mar, 2023 by Jasmine mines
Rick Morin was my opposing counsel on a case. His office is great to work with. He’s professional and friendly. Thank you
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23 Feb, 2023 by Arzoo rahimi
I’ve never met a lawyers or a law firm so kind, caring, knowledgeable, and helpful. Educated me throughout and was ALWAYS attentive when I had questions. Bryce and Rick are amazing people and lawyers, thank you for your kindness and help. If you’re looking for a lawyer, this is your stop. Ya’ll rock.
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18 Nov, 2023 by A g
I would highly recommend considering this office for your legal needs.
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25 Mar, 2023 by Jasmine mines
Rick Morin was my opposing counsel on a case. His office is great to work with. He’s professional and friendly. Thank you
Read more
23 Feb, 2023 by Arzoo rahimi
I’ve never met a lawyers or a law firm so kind, caring, knowledgeable, and helpful. Educated me throughout and was ALWAYS attentive when I had questions. Bryce and Rick are amazing people and lawyers, thank you for your kindness and help. If you’re looking for a lawyer, this is your stop. Ya’ll rock.
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25 Sep, 2024 by Abraham espinoza
Compass law group was amazing. They helped me deal with a tough case in which I was a passenger in a vehicle accident. They were very attentive, and stayed in contact with me through the entire process, making it as easy as possible for me. I would definitely recommend them.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Abraham espinoza
Compass law group was amazing. They helped me deal with a tough case in which I was a passenger in a vehicle accident. They were very attentive, and stayed in contact with me through the entire process, making it as easy as possible for me. I would definitely recommend them.
Read more
30 Jan, 2024 by Madison jean villavicencio
15 Jan, 2024 by James wells
RMD is a great company, John and Nicole were absolutely amazing, caring, and helpful. If you're in need of an attorney RMD is who you need to call.
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08 May, 2023 by Alicia
I hired Julia to represent me in a collaborative divorce after a couple of glowing recommendations. No recommendation could have compared to the extraordinary experience that I had with Julia as my attorney. My case was unusual in that it started as collaborative but eventually became quite litigious due to the unprofessionalism and misrepresentation of the opposing attorney. Julia was steadfast in her support of my case and was committed to seeing it to closure. She was always professional, displayed very high integrity, was extremely communicative and adept at explaining everything to me. She's very efficient, highly observant and a true strategist. She doesn't get rattled and is continually working towards resolution. She is also warm and thoughtful, so I felt so well cared for throughout the process. She stayed true to the collaborative process as much as she could given the unusual nature of my case yet truly represented my interests and that of my children. I cannot recommend Julia more to anyone interested in mediation or collaborative divorce. She is truly the best!
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18 Apr, 2023 by Nicholas fiorito
This is long overdue. Dom and his team walked me through the entire process, outlined all the options, and really cared for my situation at the time. Thanks again Dom!
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16 Jan, 2023 by George a
Dominic did a fantastic job writing us an agreement. He was very thorough, easy to work with, and communicated very well.
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24 Jul, 2024 by Jessica
Fair with fee's. Very knowledgeable and great follow up with documents. I am very pleased with Richard Eldridge and his staff. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of these services.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Kristi carruth
Rick is a great family law attorney! He really came through for our family when we kept getting our paperwork denied by the courts. The courts are not easy to navigate by yourself and Rick was there to help us out when we needed it. He was knowledgeable, patient, and got the job done for us in a short amount of time. We appreciate all his help and would recommend him to others in need of assistance.
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30 Mar, 2024 by Valerie camacho
31 May, 2024 by Alethea andrews
So happy that someone is willing to take this case in California! And they listen to you. I honestly had no idea why my teeth fell out the way they did, but now I do. Thank you so much for fighting for me!
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31 May, 2024 by Stacey ibarra
Great Experience with this law firm! Always kept me update on my case and always made sure all my questions were answered and explained into detail. I will be recommending this law firm.
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06 May, 2024 by Wilmer espada
Discover the ideal lawyer
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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.
