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31 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I would definitely recommend Jeff Medler. He's just a nice honest guy that you can actually relate to. Him and his staff are awesome. His fees are reasonable and he doesn't over bill for ridiculous things like a lot of other divorce attorneys. He helped me out so much during a really difficult time in my life.
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12 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
So I worked with this guy for my modification of maintenance. I had to suggest things to him as the other side's lawyer proceeded to bully him and have him bend over backwards.
The communication skills were horrible. It took weeks to get back to me. There was no professionalism at all. At all. It was head shaking.
The plan, after he failed miserably, was to wait until a change of judge. When the judge changed, he was too busy to act in a timely manner and referred me out. I guess I expected too much from him.
He strikes me as a trust-fund baby who doesn't want to work too hard and wants to live off a family name and connections. Just being honest.
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13 Mar, 2015 by David
My experience with Mr. Trams was a very positive one. Not only was he very knowledgeable regarding the case and contract law pertinent to my issue, he was very responsive and followed-up with me at every turn. I would highly recommend Mr. Trams as he is professional, highly competent and very reasonable.
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10 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
This guy didn't know what he was doing, seemed to be winging it the whole time and paid little attention to my case, seemed to be involved with other things. Go somewhere where they will respect you.
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21 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Denise Coleman to represent me in my personal injury case. She greatly helped me and made sure that I was taken care of throughout the legal process. She successfully settled my case and I walked away with my medical expenses paid and a nice amount of pain and suffering money!
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21 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney Coleman failed to file a claim on time regarding my case. Her lack of professionalism caused me my day in court. She promised to pay all expenses incurred including my medical bills and personal compensation owed to me. I've since retained another attorney and she has even ignored communicating with him. I caution anyone thinking of engaging with her as she also does not carry malpractice insurance for instances like my own. If she had, her insurance company would have been involved in her misguided deeds. Failing to file a claim is inexcusable.
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02 Sep, 2023 by Al
Bernadette brown is the worst type of lawyer and thief. She will smile in your face and Give you a convincing story about trying to help. But once she has your money, That is the last time you will ever see or speak to her again. Once she has your money the only people you will deal with are her rude assistants When I tried to speak to her about it She lied to the police and told them I caused the scene that way She could drop my case and keep my money, all for asking questions.
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02 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Because of Ms. Brown, I was able to continue receiving child support. My husband filed to terminate it, and thanks to Ms. Brown, he lost. I didn't know she could fight for me like she did. She really listened to me, and understood the issues that mattered.
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07 Oct, 2021 by Carrie d
Cynthia was a mediator between my ex-husband and I when we divorced. This was a simple divorce, and amicable as far as these things go.
Both my ex-husband and I found her to be not very competent.
I went into exhaustive detail during the financial discovery, which was expected because doing the work yourself is one of the ways you save money. However, she didn't seem to be able to understand the financial overview document, annotated with the number, and then the attachment showing proof of where the info came from, which had the same number. She also didn't seem to be very proficient in using computers. I had to instruct her on how to use certain programs. She didn't give me a discount for that.
When we finally got before the judge, they were taken aback by her sloppy work. She actually listed our pet in the list of assets, with a value of "priceless".
In the end, after spending several thousand dollars, we fired her and finished the divorce using the Court's own pro se people.
While I would not recommend going pro se with the court in something as important as a divorce, I would also not recommend using Cynthia for your divorce. She was either "phoning it in" or, worse, that was actually the best she can do.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Kris williamson
04 Mar, 2018 by Iain beardsley
Not many people 'like' attorneys. To be fair, it's usually based on the need of one & not the attorney. However, there are the attorneys that take advantage of people in need. Just like many people, you have the good & not so good. There are many attorneys to consider in those times. And there are some you need to run from. I doubt seriously Cynthia recalls my case. But if she were to be honest about some matters, she might give herself 1 star as well. I wish you well & I hope your integrity isn't what is used to be.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Wilde won't call you back, no matter how many voicemails left. If you want an attorney that will fight for you Ms Wilde is not the attorney for you
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30 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Sarah is a great attorney, you can tell Sarah puts in the necessary time, and effort with each and every client. Sarah made my legal needs a simple, easy process. She not only made me feel comfortable in the legal process, but also made me feel confident I was being represented well. If you need a good attorney for any family law needs- this is the place to go!
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07 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
I would not hire this lawyer again in any kind of matter. I hired Ms Wilde for a civil matter and she provided hardly any guidance, refused to return calls and communications, didnt file any motions to protect me, allowed the opposing party to trample all over me because she didnt send over pertinant information to me about my case..etc. Ultimately she just took my money. This is not how you build a law firm.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amira abdallah
Worst company
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12 Oct, 2017 by Keith pool
28 May, 2016 by Andrea schmidt
19 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Takes the information and crawls into a dark corner and disappears. And then follows up inquries with sarcastic undertones in her replies. Doesnt follow up and acts as if she expects you to read her mind. I think she could do great but is in with a horrible firm -cordell cordell. Dont waste your money. Get experienced attorneys Who look out for your interest and consider whatvyou are paying them no matter how green behind the ears the Are....thanks for nothing.
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24 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
My life was falling apart and she was to be filing my divorce. She gave me all these high numbers id be getting from ex-spouse. I had to call and/or email about 20 times to just get an answer or action. Suddenly with no warning she just says she has too much and drops my case. Did not give my money back or anything. It was horrific. She just disappeared.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
I brought Britta on to represent me in an custody case and I quickly realized she absolutely sucked at communication. From my experience, she does not know much about the fields of law she specializes in like child custody and family law. I believe when someone hires an attorney, that they should be able to trust that attorney to do their job properly and to COMMUNICATE. But Britta did not do either, which resulted in me looking for different/better counsel to handle my case.
I honestly don't know how or why shes still allowed to practice law
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05 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Britta failed to communicate, blatantly lied about filing documents requested from her by the judge on my behalf, missed filing deadlines, and disappeared. Her failure to submit documents cost me custody of my children. In the order handed down by the judge it states that Britta never submitted findings of facts and conclusion of law, or financial information or a proposed parenting plan. Just mediocre all across the board.
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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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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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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
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.
