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07 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Joseph Bante is in a very nice office but he is the most incompetent AWFUL lawyer who will NOT fight for you but will make you think and feel that he is. He is friends with all the lawyers and judges and will screw you over even after you fire him and obtain different counsel.
He stutters and it takes him way too long to compose a thought in his mind. He is not eloquent or articulate; it’s atrocious to hear him speak. He will over bill you and then destroy your chances at whatever it is you’re fighting for.
DO NOT MEET WITH OR HIRE JOSEPH BANTE!
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21 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I used him back in 2019 has a lawyer for a divorce and he failed. He didn’t even fight for me and found out he was good friends with my ex wife’s lawyer. She got the house and the car and cleaned out my bank account. I had to try to fight for myself and it didn’t work. I’ve always was a better person then my ex. She never took care of the kids and I only slept for 5-6 hours a week. And now I’m taking him, my ex wife’s laywer and the judges to federal court. And my new lawyers told me that they let my ex wife lie on her Financials what do you need more money to me but may look like she made hardly anything
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01 Feb, 2016 by John
Hired him for employment issue never filed it. Then made him my divorce attorney worst attorney I could of pick. He doesn't have a secretary . Doesn't respond to calls or emails. Had to do all the paperwork. Doesn't file motion on time. Gives away my bond money from another country from another case. . Getting ready to get a hold of the bar association. Warning do not hire this attorney. You will be sorry. ..
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16 Nov, 2015 by Carl
If I could've not chose a star we wouldn't have. We've been waiting over a year for him to respond to paperwork we sent him asking him to review it & let us know if he thought we had a case. We told him if he said we did we would then send him a retainer fee & proceed with our case. I've called him multiple times & hearing him tell me he was just about to look at the paperwork or he read it & thought there might be something & he'd call me back. To date, he has NOT EVER CALLED ME BACK! I'm extremely frustrated & don't know what we ever did to be treated this way. At this point we want our paperwork returned to us. We hope to find an attorney in the St. Louis area that would entertain our potential case & let us pay them to proceed.
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08 Jan, 2023 by Justin
I invested several years and many thousands of dollars in Kristin and in Cordell & Cordell. They advertised themselves as lawyers dads can count on. But both behaved unethically and unprofessionally.
As my case drew to a close, I raised concerns with Kristin about the quality of legal services I had received. In short, the judge’s position contradicted the vast majority of Kristin’s legal advice. Rather than discuss my concerns, Kristin filed a motion to withdraw, leaving me without representation only days before trial. Because I followed Kristin’s advice, my ex-wife's harmful parenting remains unchecked, and I am in no better position to help my children.
Follow-up attempts with the firm’s Client Care division, with management partner Kimberly Gray, and with founding partner Joseph Cordell were unhelpful. I posed questions about quality of legal advice, commitment to clients, major discrepancies between projected and actual costs, truth in advertising, value of services, and the client care process. Across emails and phone calls, my concerns were repeatedly sidestepped, and in every interaction I was treated more like a witness to be cross-examined than a paying client. When the Missouri Bar became involved, both Kristin and Cordell & Cordell refused to cooperate.
I cannot recoup my investment, nor can I reverse the negative outcome for my children. But if you’re reading this, you can avoid my missteps. Dads: don’t hire Kristin, nor any Cordell & Cordell attorney. You cannot count on them.
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05 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
You should know that you are the boss of your case. Do not let any attorney sway you from proceeding how you wish to proceed. If she got a grade it would be a "F". going to court is a very tough decision and make sure that you heed all reviews for any site before giving a attorney money.
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24 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Miller based off of other reviews. I should have did more research on Mr Miller. Everyone who gave positive reviews about Mr Miller was successful people like business owners and other types. If your not successful your not going to get Mr Miller full attention on your case. When I talk to him on the phone about my case he made it seem like it was easy and it will be no problem to get my case done so I hired him. After I hired Mr Miller he gave my case to his associate lawyer. Mr Miller didn't try to contact me any more about my case. Everything was about his associate lawyer contracting me. I asked the associate questions about my case she didn't answer them and Mr Miller was tracking this and did nothing to stop it from keep happening. Now a year later Mr Miller and his associate have had my case and him and his associate haven't made any progress on my case. My case is still in the same place it was before I hired Mr Miller a year ago. The only thing that has happen with my case with Mr Miller is a big bill from Mr Miller and that's it. Yes, Mr Miller is on SUPER LAWYERS based off of the service I received he shouldn't be.
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07 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
They took my case. Never called me back when I called them. Never help me get my rotator cuff fixed in my shoulder. Dropped me just because I said I was calling the bar association on them. People stay far away from this firm. They are a nightmare and a living hell. They are full of mess. If you know what I mean.
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
