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16 Aug, 2024 by Scott collins
The worse part of my accident was dealing with the time consuming insurance company. When I reached out to Tyroler they took over the process and I was able to avoid the headache! They are as much in the fight as you are! When all said and done! They got me a respectable settlement and definitely did a proper job!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Alexis poinsett
Isaac is a good spirited person willing to help when you need. Which is very hard to find, in a business where people aren't sincere.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Derek ogren
Excellent service from start to finish! The thorough and prompt communication from Isaac and the entire team was very much appreciated. The process after an auto accident was new to me and everyone I spoke with did a fantastic job of explaining how things work and setting proper expectations. I will not hesitate to reach out if anything further is needed. Thank you again!
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31 Aug, 2024 by Cora
Highly recommend! Very quick response time weather, it was phone or email. Very knowledgeable in his work. If I had to do it all over again, I’d choose Josh!
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27 Apr, 2024 by John jirik
Joshua was great to work with. He was always quick to respond to all my questions. The whole process was much faster than I anticipated.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Ned peterson
I found Josh through a referral, and I could not have been happier with him. He is very knowledgeable, hardworking and
a great guy. He was quick to respond to my emails and text messages and was there for me from the start to finish. I would highly recommend Josh and his team.
Thanks again for all your hard work!
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17 Mar, 2022 by Michael loupe
Ben is a fantastic, no nonsense attorney that keeps your best interest at the forefront of your representation. He is highly efficient and very personable. You'll feel like he's been a friend for years. Mr. Tarnowski will be my primary legal advisor for life.
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22 Oct, 2020 by Daniel balto
Ben is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers I know. He is great at making you aware of all of your options and is incredibly honest. Great qualities to have in someone who is defending you.
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10 Dec, 2019 by Garlicia
If Benjamin didn't represent me in court only God know where I'll be right now. He's very honest, caring and knowledgeable. It was my first offense ever and I was so emotional and clueless to everything but he made me feel comfortable. THANK YOU BENJAMIN :)
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01 Sep, 2022 by Chad monson
24 May, 2017 by Pat sample
Excellent law firm - specializes in many areas of law. Many years of experience between lawyers & staff!
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25 May, 2015 by Sheila
Wally took on my case even though many other attorneys declined to due to its complexity. I am forever grateful of the services he provided, because without his help, I wouldn't have been reunited with our daughters. Through the years, he has consistently shown himself to be a man of high integrity, honesty, and loyalty. He is very dedicated to his clients and has clearly demonstrated that he has their best interest at heart and that he genuinely cares. Furthermore, he has always responded to and filed necessary documents in a timely fashion, has kept me informed of strategies and communications, and has patiently answered any questions I had. He is very professional, skilled, and knowledgeable in his field. Finally, with that said, it is through his outstanding character and expertise that Wally has earned my complete trust. I highly recommend him.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly poitra
Very helpful, responsive and reasonably priced.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Lauren lindeman
I have known Jamie, one of the attorneys at Holt Law, for many years and she is always professional, knowledgable, and has a strong work ethic. I highly recommend her.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Hayat butta
David Holt, the lead attorney at Holt Law, LLC, is a kind and dedicated individual who is always willing to help out where he can. He uses simple language and presents all the options available, helping you make an informed decision.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Sally ackerley
Schromen Law was recommended to me by a trusted friend and business. I was extremely satisfied with the professional and friendly approach provided by everyone.
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27 Sep, 2024 by Alena temple
Rachel is exceptional at what she does, very knowledgeable and professional. She can easily tackle complex estate matters. Also very caring.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Nancy roelofs
Awesome law firm. Everything was handled professionally and smoothly. We completed a will and trust in a very timely manner. Would highly recommend them!!!!
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28 Jun, 2024 by Helen schroeder
Susan Bowden is an exceptional advocate. She built a rock solid case for me, kept in close contact every step of the way, and brought about a very favorable conclusion. She’s caring, engaging and fierce! Anyone would be lucky to have her on their side.
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09 May, 2024 by Robbie skantz
Lisa and Michelle helped me navigate through one of the toughest experiences in my life. I felt I was well represented and at no time did I ever question my decision to use them. I recommend them very highly!
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25 Mar, 2024 by Annie thao
I cannot express enough gratitude for the outstanding legal support and representation provided by Susan and her remarkable team throughout my journey following a car accident. From the very beginning they demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and genuine care.
From the initial consultation, Susan exhibited a deep understanding of my situation, listening attentively to my concerns and provided clear guidance on the legal process ahead. Her compassion and reassurance alleviated my worries, instilling confidence in her ability to navigate the complexities of my case.
Susan demonstrated exceptional negotiation skills during settlement discussions, advocating fiercely for my best interests while maintaining open lines of communication with me every step of the way. Her transparency and commitment to keeping me informed empowered me to make well-informed decisions, fostering a sense of trust and partnership that was truly invaluable.
Beyond their legal expertise, Susan and her team showed genuine compassion and empathy, recognizing the emotional toll the accident had taken on me. Their unwavering support and compassionate guidance provided me with comfort and reassurance during a challenging time in my life.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Susa and her exceptional team, I recommend Susan to anyone in need of expert legal representation.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Alexis poinsett
Nice lady on the phone, cub foods wasn't in her line of business😢🤙🏿
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03 May, 2024 by Cole racek
09 Feb, 2024 by Reed beckler
Jenna worked diligently during my whole process. She listens and guides the client through the process. She explains the process and is honest as to the outcome. She is well connected as to individuals who will end up working with your family after the legal process is completed. I was very pleased with the final outcome. I would recommend her for assisting you through what I am sure is a difficult time. Just as it was for myself.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms Alyssa is amazing, she helped alot throughout my asylum/immigration process and would recommend her to anyone in need of help with regard to immigration. She is awesome.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Oshane
It was really great working with Alyssa for my immigration case. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout my case. She did a great job at communicating with USCIS and providing me with frequent case status updates. She also provided my wife and I with great materials and feedback to properly prepare us for our green card interview. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone who is need of an excellent Immigration Lawyer. Thank you for all your help Alyssa.
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23 Apr, 2024 by Omot
Been to a lot of immigration attorneys over the years. Alyssa and her team is the best by far. Thank you for helping me get my Green Card!
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5.0
10 Reviews
23 Mar, 2024 by S f
Helpful, fast, and highly competent.
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12 Jul, 2023 by Jb texas food travels
16 Mar, 2023 by Engelhafen
The employee I spoke with was so kind and hard-working. I have to say that she is a state treasure and I hope the state appreciates her outstanding work and exemplary kindness. So very helpful and responsive.
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23 Feb, 2021 by Josh
Kristen is, in a word, sensational.
But, of course, I will expand. My divorce was complicated. I came out of an incredibly high-conflict marriage and knew almost immediately that the divorce would be the same. It was. It included false allegations against me, as well as a number of other incidents that rattled me.
Through it all, Kristen was a steadying constant. In the beginning, when I was the most emotionally wounded and the least capable of rational thought, Kristen took the time to help guide me through the healing as well as the legal process. That is to say, she went well beyond the concepts I would have expected of a lawyer. For her, our professional relationship wasn't just about getting me through a complicated legal process; it was also about getting me through an even more complicated personal journey.
Of course, she was equally great in legal matters. She's an expert who knows her business and who draws upon years of experience to tirelessly advocate for her clients. In my first conversation with her, Kristen predicted what would happen. Every prediction ended up correct, no matter the roadblocks we faced in getting there.
Except for two things, both self evident positives. She told me what the financial settlement would like but in the end I walked away with an even more favorable outcome than she guessed I would. She also predicted the divorce could take between eighteen and twenty-four months. It took ten. In both cases, I am convinced the positive outcome owe directly to Kristen's efforts.
My favorite part about Kristen's counsel, by the way, was that she never told me what I wanted to hear. She told me what was necessary, what was true, what was legally right. And she did it with empathy, concern, professionalism, and sincerity.
Kristen Bullock is absolutely wonderful.
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25 Jul, 2020 by Dhimble ali
There are no words to describe how amazing Kristen is as a lawyer and as a person. She truly is one of a kind. Her professional and expertise is extraordinary. I've had the pleasure of hiring her for my family court battle and it's the best decision I made. Her knowledge and experience blows me away. Everything happened exactly how she predicted it would. She was there whenever I needed her and made this difficult time in my life easier to deal with. She was there for me with whatever I needed, and I'm not exaggerating. She would get back to me right away, regardless of what time it was. As most know, divorces get ugly, but Kristen made the whole process easier to deal with and educated me through it. She handled everything for me and kept me updated. There really aren't any words to describe how easy and smooth she's made this difficult process for me. She's beyond exceptional. I'm forever indebted to her. Thank you, Kristen.
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15 Jun, 2020 by Kathy
I guess I call it good luck that I was so fortunate to find Kristen! In the past I had dealt with terrible attorneys that just ripped me off. I had THE divorce the from hell, very messy with multiple properties and it lasted 4 years with a trial and then an appeal, (yes he was a narcissist!) Kristen is smart, witty, incredibly sharp, & paid amazing attention to details. She has an awesome memory and on days knew more about my case then I did. I also give the same accolades to her awesome assistant! She is human, has a heart, and was there for me through so many emotions, incredibly patient and understanding. I can't say enough about how pleased I was and refer her to everyone! I never thought I would say "I Love my Attorney",, but I truly do! Thanks Kristen and Joanna!
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19 Jan, 2018 by Kristin
I can't say enough about how satisfied I have been with Kelly Lawton Rogosheske as my attorney. She has been my counsel/attorney for eight years and nothing has slowed her down in her determination to get positive results. She is a good person!!! That shines in her personality and character in responding not only to calls but, all forms of communication! She works hard to mediate your situation to avoid court. She works and networks with other attorney's to continue her education and knowledge of new practices and statutes in Minnesota. More importantly, she is confident and articulate when she is standing in a court room. I have always felt comfortable in conversing even the most embarrassing situations with her in consultation. She is willing to communicate about any question you may have even if she has an open case with you or not. And if she doesn't know the answer she finds someone who can assist you and stays with you if necessary. Call Kelly Lawton Roogosheske and know you are going to get positive results!
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22 Jan, 2011 by Anonymous
Kelly was very helpful and always kept us up to date on what was going on with our bankruptcy case. She answered all of our questions no matter how silly they may have been. We really were really happy with her handling of our case. We could not be more happy about the outcome. We would highly recommend her services. She gave us peace of mind in the middle of a really difficult time for our family.
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25 Feb, 2010 by Nancy
Kelly was very professional, friendly and flexible with her time. She always kept me up to date with information. she is knowlegable about divorce and the mediation process
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03 Feb, 2015 by Bunny
Maria is one to trust to get the job done! Very good at what she does and gives you a sense a relief that you can rely on her to take care of it. I would recommend her to anyone that wants to win!
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02 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Maria handled my messy divorce and 5 years of residual issues in a concise manner with knowledge, fairness (to all parties involved) and with a calmness that help me get though those difficult years. I never felt in the dark, Maria always took the time to explain the why's, how's and possible outcomes. No matter what curve ball my ex threw, Maria had already laid the ground work or was able develop a plan that prevailed in the end. Maria's method of maintaining the highroad, sticking to the facts, made my divorce much less ugly. You can't go wrong retaining Maria Maier as your attorney.
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20 Oct, 2010 by Tim
I can't begin to express how amazing Maria was in handling my case. I filed for divorce in August of 2009 and my ex-wife immediately began an unimaginable mud-slinging campaign in an effort to gain sole custody of our children. I wanted to reply in kind and engage in that battle to refute all the lies my ex was putting forth. But, Maria had a great game plan which she came up with after our first court appearance. We would simply stick to the facts. At first, it was difficult to sit back and let my character be assassinated time and time again. However, it was very easy to trust the strategy that Maria had in place.
There were several times during my case that the outlook seemed bleak. I would get uptight, panicked or nervous. Maria was always there to explain the divorce process and tell me why we need to maintain our strategy. She was always available to answer any question, no matter how trivial it might have been. She would explain in detail why things were relevant to the court. Even if I had naïve questions like as why they were relevant, Maria explained how my course of action be in my best interests (and the best interests of my children) and how my actions would work in my favor in the long run. To say she has a firm grasp on divorce law and the entire divorce process would be a vast understatement.
It is now October of 2010 and my case has just concluded. I’m absolutely convinced Maria is part soothsayer. Her strategy played out exactly as we had discussed back in 2009. The custody evaluation worked out in my favor, just as Maria said it would. The judge saw through the mudslinging of my ex and focused on the facts, just as Maria said she would. While there are no winners in a divorce, I feel truly vindicated that I stuck to my convictions (thanks to Maria’s guidance) and the judge ruled very heavily in my favor.
This was the first instance I needed a lawyer for more than one day. I am absolutely elated that I chose Maria Maier to be that lawyer. Her expertise and guidance helped me through a very difficult transition in my life. I wouldn’t wish a divorce on anybody, but I would highly recommend Maria to anyone who needs an expert lawyer on their side should they find themselves facing a divorce.
Thanks Maria!!
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13 Jan, 2018 by Robert
I was referred to Louise by my estate attorney. After meeting with her, I decided to hire her for my dissolution. She was professional, empathetic and made a difficult situation much better. I can't imagine having gone through that process without her.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
Louise is an extremely knowledgable and very helpful attorney. The work Louise provided in the area of mediation ensured a fair and equitable split. She was responsive and always professional. Thank you so much for your assistance and professionalism during this time. I couldn't imagine a better outcome.
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03 Jun, 2016 by Aaron hall
Unlike many divorce attorneys, Anna is collaborative and seeks to avoid unnecessary fighting (and related legal expenses).
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06 Feb, 2021 by Autumn
Eileen Krenner represented me in two situations after my divorce. I was somewhat disappointed with my prior attorney, and learned about Eileen through a colleague. What we appreciate so much about her approach is that she was always able to clearly explain the law and my rights and the rights of my children, but also able to calibrate based on my desire to try and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship with my ex-husband. Always a kind and compassionate ear and sounding board. I highly recommend her and have recommended her to many friends.
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24 Feb, 2019 by Stacy
Eileen Krenner was recommended to me by a friend after I mentioned I was looking to hire an attorney for a third party custody issue. Eileen was honest and fair and I was never disappointed in the decision to hire her. She kept us well informed, was extremely professional and most importantly to me, showed compassion for our situation. I would highly recommend Eileen.
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16 Jul, 2015 by Lyle
I recommend Eileen Krenner very highly for family law services. She is very professional, prepares very well, communicates very well, is very thorough, is very pleasant to work with, and has done a great job with my case.
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18 Mar, 2016 by Dana
Doug did a terrific job listening to my needs and using his skills to settling my divorce in timely, affordable manner. He was really the type of attorney I needed in a difficult time. Thank you!
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11 Mar, 2015 by Justin
Mr. Mentes handled my divorce in a quick and efficient manner. He was very responsive to my needs and obtained an outstanding outcome for my children and I. I would not hesitate to use him again for future legal matters involving my divorce should they arise.
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06 Feb, 2015 by Derek
Once Doug had read my district court case he knew he could overturn it. Through our conversations on the phone I could tell Doug was passionate about law and justice. He worked extra hours on our case to create a brief that no Judge could deny. When I finally had the opportunity to meet and hear Doug argue at oral panel, he sealed it for me in more ways than one. He was not only convincing in front of the 3 Judges, but myself also. The man on the phone fit the description when I met him in person. A compassionate family man lawyer that can relate to his client. Thank you Doug!
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28 Nov, 2016 by Sarah
James is a kind and caring lawyer. He helped me with a long divorce that involved getting custody of my daughter. It took a couple years to finally get it finalized. After the divorce James has been there for me anytime I need him when trying to go after my ex for child support. He always has your best interest at heart and truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend James
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04 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Capra was my Attorney throughout a very long and complicated 3 year divorce proceeding He argued on my behalf all the way to the Appeals Court with the final decision in my favor. He is professional and at times overly busy however does have your best interests at heart. I was referred to him on a Pro Bono request through SMRLS. He is ultimately the best out there. He will never be forgotten in my book.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Lyndon
James Capra is not just a lawyer, he's a hero to me. When you have a family issue that involves a child it's really tough, one of the hardest things that you will ever do.
So it's great to feel that you have someone on your side that is both competent and caring - James Capra is....... competent and caring.
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25 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Best atterny I have ever hired and deal with ....he is very honest ,respectful,responds as soon as possible , care for his clients , affordable,trustworthy,deserve the money and I recommend that you take him as your attorney...very pleased with his services.. defend his client with all he can .....for sure I would like to hire him again if I ever needed him ......
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08 Jul, 2010 by Anonymous
We highly recommend Attorney Brad Newbolt and the Bradley W. Newbolt Law Firm. He will be honest with you, yes, an honest attorney!; he is responsive returning calls within 24 hours (and usually within minutes or an hour or two at most); his rates are very affordable especially considering the quality work he provides. We recommend that you make the Bradley W. Newbolt Law Firm your first and only stop for your legal needs; we did and we could not be more pleased.
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13 Mar, 2023 by Christine marie
He is our family lawyer. He has always came through for us and we have had very satisfying outcomes. He is humble and he is direct. He is good in the courtroom. I wouldn't have any other lawyer represent me. I refer him to any of my in need of a lawyer friends. Very down to earth and straight forward. Very truthful and like I said direct, tells you how it is. Never sugar coats anything. But he gives his all for his clients and I have never seen or heard of a client walking away unsatisfied.
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08 Sep, 2019 by Moshe jungreis
Morgan is a great lawyer and I highly recommend her for your legal needs.
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11 Oct, 2022 by Leann
Assistance provided was with Restraining order and Custody concerns.
I had made several calls and consulted with many attorneys before asking Emily to represent me. I have been working with Emily for almost a year if not more. It was very difficult for me to hire an attorney because there is much to consider like communication, price, availability, experience, etc.
I must say, I am pleased that Emily Peterson was able to pick me up as a client.
She helped me with obtaining a restraining order and dealing with a custody issue. The restraining order was incredibly nerve wracking yet, Emily made the process better and gave me other resources to use in addition to her. She maintained a quick turnaround to answer my questions and calls. She was encouraging and provided me with honest feedback. I knew what my choices were and what could happen by selecting those choices.
I was incredibly impressed and satisfied with our interaction. We did everything electronically, this helped me tremendously. I have already recommended her to others. I am especially happy that I didn’t have the stress of dealing with attorney who was not communicating back with me. She was organized, diligent, and responsive.
I will continue to recommend her and will absolutely use Emily again if I should need to.
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25 Oct, 2021 by Eileen
I would not have made it through what was undoubtedly the most difficult year of my life, without Emily. I am sure there isn’t a short supply of competent attorneys in the Twin Cities, but I am not sure many are as compassionate and committed as Emily. Her expertise and legal acumen were critical in the process in reaching the best possible outcome. But, it was her kindness and unending support that also got me through. She is very hardworking. Emily was incredibly responsive. Getting back to me quickly and at all hours of the day. She always made me feel like a top priority. There were days I would call or email 20 plus times, she never made me feel like an inconvenience, the opposite I always felt valued. There were no dumb questions. Emily walked me through every step of the way. She made a daunting and scary process so much easier for me. In the end, I walked away with the most optimal agreement possible. I highly recommend Emily Peterson, she is an excellent attorney and wonderful person.
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08 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Amy. She is efficient, practical and easy to work with.
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22 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Amy, she has been my lawyer for years (long process divorce & custody).
She is available for her clients above and beyond.
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03 Jul, 2012 by Dan
Sarah handled my divorce. I was very displeased with my 1st divorce attorney and Sarah did an amazing job. She is a young attorney but worked very hard for me as a client.
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28 Nov, 2012 by Robert
Other than saying the details were messy and it was an agonizing time of my life. The only clear head that was prvailing was Ms. Schorbahn. I was never in question about what was expected of me. There was always a return call to me by the following day. As I reflect, my understanding of the whole process of Divorce was wrong. The Child Custody portion was difficult to understand and process as well. It is a lot of waiting, during those periods of angst, Michelle was always dedicated to explaining, and quite honestly re-explaing the process in great detail. Decisions made were always my decisions after counsel with Ms. Schorbahn. It is because of this, I feel completely comfortable reccomending Michelle Schorbahn to any person who needs help during this difficult, timely process.
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04 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I am a former client of Mr. Grutzner. He quickly handled my case and I could depend on him to do exactly what he said. He kept me informed along the process so I never had to wonder what was going on. I have recommended him to my friends and family.
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14 Jul, 2016 by Jill
Jeff handled legal matters during the passing of my mother, and then recently matters of probate after the passing of my brother. Jeff was excellent. He was professional, explained options or procedures clearly, often received my phone calls immediately (or were promptly returned). Goals were met in a smooth and timely manner. Jeff is a comfortable, confident, and nice guy to work with.
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13 Jan, 2012 by Vic
I have been fortunate to have worked with Erin over the past 6 years. She possesses the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and ability. Erin is extremely passionate in all that she does and tackles all projects and challenges with great enthusiasm.
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02 Oct, 2013 by Connie
We hired Liz Pierce for our estate planning as well as for some simple and somewhat complex real estate transactions. She is a strong advocate, knows how to negotiate without creating conflict and works hard to reach the best outcome for her clients. Her honesty and integrity are seen not only through her work but also through her billing. We never once felt that we were "overbilled".
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27 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
From the onset, I was confident I was in good hands with Mr. Meyer (why I hired him out of MANY I interviewed, after extensive research). He was knowledgeable, experienced, and level-headed. My emails and phone calls were returned promptly. His communication and demeanor were met with integrity, and he had the backing of a top-notch firm. Couldn't ask for anything better.
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15 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Amy was VERY EASY to talk to; she'd explained things in a manner I could understand, and even CITED the statutes off the top of her head within conversation!
She attached my missing documents necessary via TIMELY EMAIL [I currently have limited resources]; by the time of the hearing I FELT confident. I FELT prepared for "worst case scenario". I would STRONGLY recommend her, just by the brief consultation we have had.
Lastly, she was unbiased and LISTENED; I did NOT feel like "just another case." I believe that is what stood out to me the most.
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13 Jul, 2013 by Anonymous
Danielle is a very attentive Attorney. She is always very quick to respond to any and all of my questions in a thoughtful way. Danielle is very approachable and made any concerns or confusion I had with the process go away. Having Danielle as my Attorney made the process very smooth. She is a concerned advocate for her clients and very easy to work with.
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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.
