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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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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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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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26 Sep, 2023 by Amber skirvin
Pat and Kate are knowledgeable and helpful during a time when you need it most!
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04 Aug, 2023 by B potter
07 Dec, 2022 by Candace
Words cannot express my thankfulness and gratitude for working with Patrick McCullough. With his expertise in the area of corporate farm divorce and his understanding of people, he made a very impossible situation become possible. It is a pleasure to work with him and l highly recommend him to anyone.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Dale ingrig
Good liar , but so your research we did the didn't like what we found, also found not so good info
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12 Oct, 2024 by Elmy bednarz-gray
I am writing to highly recommend Andrew Irlbeck to all of Minnesota State and to anyone that may find themselves in need of an exceptional criminal defense lawyer in the area. My family and I would be remiss if we didn't testify and shared with the world Andrew's unparalleled expertise, professionalism, care and dedication in his field.
Andrew is an excellent communicator, who responds with a sense of urgency, ensuring that every detail is clearly explained and understood. Qualities that are crucial in navigating the complexities of the legal system. He broke down terminologies and made them digestible allowing my family and I to always walk away from conversations feeling confident and trusting the process.
His attention to details is remarkable, Andrew possesses a profound acumen in law and criminal justice. Undeniable he showcases a high moral compass and unwavering belief in the justice system makes him a standout advocate for his clients. He has experiences and invested time to prove this.
Beyond his professional capabilities, Andrew Irlbeck is a great human being, words will never fully describe his level of care, kindness and integrity in all my interactions with him. Listen to me, whether you are in doubt, facing trouble or simply in need of strong advocacy and resources, Andrew is the person to turn to. Waste no time, I spent countless hours calling, reaching out to other lawyers and nothing compares to the service you will receive with him. I and my entire family wholeheartedly recommend Andrew for anyone seeking top- tier legal representation.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Samantha flowers
Paul was a great help and resource!
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19 Feb, 2025 by You are for us
My brother had a very negative experience with this law firm, and I feel it’s important to share his story to warn others, especially to the Ethiopian/OROMO communities. This firm takes advantage of people who don’t speak English fluently or understand the laws, using fear tactics to pressure them into paying large amounts of money. The lawyer scared my brother into thinking that if he didn’t follow his instructions, he would be deported or face severe consequences. He gave him wrong information and manipulated his fears to force him to pay him thousands of dollars.
Despite paying around $2,000, he didn’t receive the help he was promised. When he went to another law firm, one owned by an American, his case was resolved smoothly without the threats and scare tactics this lawyer had used. He was told he had many more options than he was led to believe, and he is now happily married and living in the United States.
This lawyer and firm took advantage of his vulnerability and put him through unnecessary stress, just to take my money. He laughed when he asked for his money back, and completely robbed him. I would not recommend this firm to anyone, especially the OROMO/ETHIOPIAN communities, as they prey on people’s fear and lack of knowledge. Be careful when choosing legal representation this is the worst law firm.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Dagne gudu
Good service great job & helpful.
We really appreciate you me & my family.
God bless your family.
Thanks.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Nunusha ————-
I would like to Thank Gobena and Associates for everything they have done and every support they gave us on our journey. They have been working with us with their amazing knowledge guid us. Every time we need them they are always available and ready to help. So thank you very much for everything.
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18 Feb, 2025 by Marvin anderson
The Law Office of Clarence Patterson III provided exceptional legal services in the review of a legal matter involving the preparation of our Last Wills and Testament. His team was prompt, punctual and professional, performing the task exactly as requested with courtesy and at a fair price for their excellent work. If you are looking for extraordinary legal representation that combines professionalism, punctuality, and precision, the Law Office of Clarence Patterson III is where you can rely on to get the job done right. Highly recommended!
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15 Nov, 2024 by J wg
I had a consultation with Clarence and he seemed to have nice and calm demeanor I could appreciate, after giving him the run down of my case he said I had long case history. Not sure what that means as there were only 2 Orders issued previously, I guess that was too much for him. He declined to take the case citing his other caseloads besides that he was nice.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Aj sheridan
Clarence completed wills for my wife and I, and we were very happy with his work. We would definitely recommend him!
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18 Feb, 2025 by Marvin anderson
The Law Office of Clarence Patterson III provided exceptional legal services in the review of a legal matter involving the preparation of our Last Wills and Testament. His team was prompt, punctual and professional, performing the task exactly as requested with courtesy and at a fair price for their excellent work. If you are looking for extraordinary legal representation that combines professionalism, punctuality, and precision, the Law Office of Clarence Patterson III is where you can rely on to get the job done right. Highly recommended!
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15 Nov, 2024 by J wg
I had a consultation with Clarence and he seemed to have nice and calm demeanor I could appreciate, after giving him the run down of my case he said I had long case history. Not sure what that means as there were only 2 Orders issued previously, I guess that was too much for him. He declined to take the case citing his other caseloads besides that he was nice.
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24 Jun, 2024 by Aj sheridan
Clarence completed wills for my wife and I, and we were very happy with his work. We would definitely recommend him!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Mounir ouanaimi
I worked with Julie and her team for many years. They helped us tremendously. They were the best possible partners in our journey. They are a family to us now. I could not recommend them highly enough.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Chava lopez garcia
Excelente trabajo
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20 Jun, 2024 by Fatumatta ceesay
I’m a satisfied client! 5star to Zimmer law group. I have only been with Zimmer law group for 6months. I worked with Attorney Julie and Rodrigo as my case manager, they are very professional, the effort, energy and time these people put in my case is very well recognized and appreciated.. they communicate very well, they keep me posted on everything I need to know, prepare me very well on my case and keep me calm. I highly recommend this law firm.
Note: I have never seen my attorney in person, we only communicated on phone so regardless of where you are contact them and give them your case. Zimmer law group is a place to go.
Again thank you julie and Rodrigo for all the help and support..
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09 Aug, 2020 by Margo
Fast service and friendly
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15 Oct, 2018 by Sheena prindle
09 Aug, 2020 by Margo
Fast service and friendly
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15 Oct, 2018 by Sheena prindle
23 Jan, 2025 by Jessica dresden
Our practice has worked with David Holt on multiple occasions. We have been incredibly satisfied and impressed with his services! He is a very genuine guy and so helpful regarding legal aspects of a practice. Would highly recommend him and his team!
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30 Dec, 2024 by Gina z.
I was overwhelmed with options for healthcare attorneys for the specific matter I needed assistance with. After a great initial meeting with their Intake department, I gave Holt Law an opportunity. With no obligation to anything, intake referred me to a free 15-minute consult with David directly, allowing us to decide the best plan and next steps for my business needs. The value for pricing was fair and attainable for a small business such as myself. I felt David ultimately decided on a plan that suited my business’s size and needs, so I appreciated not feeling like I was being taken advantage of. I found David’s insight and resources to be of significant and incredible value. He took the time to listen to my questions and answer them to the best of his abilities, which I felt fully confident about as it was evident he was very knowledgeable in the healthcare sector. His intervention and guidance for improvements to my business from his professional standpoint and experience were the missing pieces of my business puzzle. I would love to continue using Holt Law Firm for any related needs my business may have and recommend them to other colleagues. My business and I are grateful to have found an honest, insightful attorney like David and the Holf Law Firm.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Laurie schlosser
I have been working with Holt Law for about 6 months. The have been very helpful in creating contracts and answering related questions. Highly recommend for support with healthcare related legal needs.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Jerry lee
Joe is super good at what he does amazing with housing court and handles stuff for tenants side will fight like hell for you. Rate are very reasonable and will work with you. He also does alot of criminal defense case and is very good with it I would strongly recommend joe for your legal needs
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26 Jul, 2024 by Joe vaccaro
I have never once hesitated to refer anyone to Mr. Leach for Criminal Defense or related services. He is a tough, dedicated attorney.
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17 Jul, 2024 by Dominic young
Joe is amazing! He’s patient and understands the laws extremely well. For my case, it took almost a year and a half to go to trial, almost a day and a half in court proceedings, almost an hour and a half of deliberations (including a one hour lunch break) for them to find me “NOT GUILTY”.
Thanks!
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18 Jan, 2023 by Nasrudin abdi
13 Dec, 2022 by Joe rittmann
31 May, 2022 by Zack adeed
Excellent team! Ben, Dresden and Ferdinand helped me and my family through a long litigation that took more than three years to resolve. Through that time the legal team fought for us in court, stayed in constant communication with me, and most importantly delivered a win in court. I highly recommend this firm.
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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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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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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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13 Feb, 2020 by Steve o
Mr. Lindlof is the best lawyer I have ever met!
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12 Dec, 2024 by Nicki gray
Wonderful experience. Adam is a very knowledgeable lawyer and hard worker. He always kept in touch, spoke in Layman's terms and guided me in each step. He helped me get compensation after I was rear-ended. The other side tried making my prior, more minor injuries into something big and then tried downplaying this injury, which made me frustrated. Adam didn't let them get away with that, and he believed me. He worked so hard for me and I'm so grateful.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Julie dutcher
Rutzick Law office, specifically Steve Rutzick has been very helpful with my case. He kept me informed of everything. even things I had no idea about! He considered no question was unimportant. and believe me, I had many questions. I recommend Steve Rutzick to anyone looking for a good, honest lawyer.
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10 Oct, 2024 by Jeffrey martin
I worked with Adam after getting into a car accident and I could not have been happier with his representation. He was very thorough and I could tell he cared about me as a person and the injuries I was dealing with. I can't thank him enough for his help and I would highly recommend him.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Melanie lobdell
Kristen helped me with my custody and child support case. She was amazing and so easy to work with. She’s very professional, she quickly responds to emails back and forth or any phone calls that needed to be made. She was very straight forward on the process with what I was dealing with and the routes I needed to take in the process. She made me feel so comfortable even when I was stressed about the situation. I will highly recommend her to anyone and will definitely be calling her again if I have any future needs. She was great!!
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24 Oct, 2024 by Erin wolfe
Kristen Bullock is amazing at what she does! Our case was complicated and high conflict but she was committed to helping us keep my son safe. We are grateful for her expertise and tenacity!
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25 Sep, 2024 by Cullen ford
Daniel Adkins is the best attorney in Minnesota. He got my case dismissed and I didn’t even have to go to court
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07 Jul, 2024 by Robert sylvester
Unprofessional misrepresented by Mr Mahoney. Has 3 of my firearms and can't even explain where they are. Not mention the wrong address on goggle.
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20 Apr, 2024 by Nathan palmer
16 Apr, 2022 by Sara florek
25 Nov, 2024 by Shawn skie
This attorney literally listened for 10 seconds and says I'm not the attorney for me...when I know for a fact I have a lawsuit because the judge dismissed my case on Nov 1st and in that dismissal everything was aimed at the police violating my civil rights....this place sucks
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20 Mar, 2023 by Richard johnson
My experience with Capital City Law group was better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend that you consider their services for your legal needs! R. J. Sr.
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30 Jun, 2022 by Curtiss fairbanks
She's is my attorney and is phenomenal
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26 Sep, 2023 by Amber skirvin
Pat and Kate are knowledgeable and helpful during a time when you need it most!
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04 Aug, 2023 by B potter
05 May, 2021 by Dan wubben
I didn't have a clue about getting a divorce and Taylor made it very easy.I would recommend her to anyone!
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04 Nov, 2024 by Dale ingrig
Good liar , but so your research we did the didn't like what we found, also found not so good info
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12 Oct, 2024 by Elmy bednarz-gray
I am writing to highly recommend Andrew Irlbeck to all of Minnesota State and to anyone that may find themselves in need of an exceptional criminal defense lawyer in the area. My family and I would be remiss if we didn't testify and shared with the world Andrew's unparalleled expertise, professionalism, care and dedication in his field.
Andrew is an excellent communicator, who responds with a sense of urgency, ensuring that every detail is clearly explained and understood. Qualities that are crucial in navigating the complexities of the legal system. He broke down terminologies and made them digestible allowing my family and I to always walk away from conversations feeling confident and trusting the process.
His attention to details is remarkable, Andrew possesses a profound acumen in law and criminal justice. Undeniable he showcases a high moral compass and unwavering belief in the justice system makes him a standout advocate for his clients. He has experiences and invested time to prove this.
Beyond his professional capabilities, Andrew Irlbeck is a great human being, words will never fully describe his level of care, kindness and integrity in all my interactions with him. Listen to me, whether you are in doubt, facing trouble or simply in need of strong advocacy and resources, Andrew is the person to turn to. Waste no time, I spent countless hours calling, reaching out to other lawyers and nothing compares to the service you will receive with him. I and my entire family wholeheartedly recommend Andrew for anyone seeking top- tier legal representation.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Kasi cakes
4.6
20 Reviews
4.2
52 Reviews
18 Nov, 2024 by Beth meyer
I worked with Chris in 2018 while going through a divorce . I knew nothing about finding a lawyer , or what the legalities of a divorce entailed . He kindly offered me to come in and speak with him.
From the beginning, he explained things In great detail and gave me options . From there we talked about moving forward and what that would look like . Never did I feel pressured or felt like my opinion didn’t matter.
He is straightforward and tells you exactly what his plan is . He would always contact me prior to doing anything and wanted to know my opinion . Long of the short my divorce was settled in 3 mths .
Sorry for just posting this 7 yrs later but better late than never ! Would highly recommend Banas Law Firm . Thank you for making this process smooth .
Kindly,
Beth Holthaus
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14 Oct, 2024 by Fortijo
Chris was incredibly responsive and thorough, always ensuring my questions were fully answered. When I seemed uncertain, he went above and beyond to clarify, digging deeper into the issues to leave no stone unturned. I especially appreciated his proactive approach—he analyzed the situation from the perspective of opposing counsel and used that insight to strategize effectively. His attention to detail and forward-thinking were invaluable. Beyond his professional skills, Chris is also the kind of person you’d enjoy spending time with—friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Kari
Lisa is a fierce advocate for her clients. Midway through my case, I switched attorneys and I am so glad I did. Lisa provided insights and expertise that were critical to turning my case around and repairing my reputation with the court. Adaptable and flexible, Lisa was able to pivot quickly as the need arose and come up with creative solutions. Working together, Lisa and Chris draw on each others strengths and are a powerful force. I highly recommend Banas Law for child custody.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Beth meyer
I worked with Chris in 2018 while going through a divorce . I knew nothing about finding a lawyer , or what the legalities of a divorce entailed . He kindly offered me to come in and speak with him.
From the beginning, he explained things In great detail and gave me options . From there we talked about moving forward and what that would look like . Never did I feel pressured or felt like my opinion didn’t matter.
He is straightforward and tells you exactly what his plan is . He would always contact me prior to doing anything and wanted to know my opinion . Long of the short my divorce was settled in 3 mths .
Sorry for just posting this 7 yrs later but better late than never ! Would highly recommend Banas Law Firm . Thank you for making this process smooth .
Kindly,
Beth Holthaus
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14 Oct, 2024 by Fortijo
Chris was incredibly responsive and thorough, always ensuring my questions were fully answered. When I seemed uncertain, he went above and beyond to clarify, digging deeper into the issues to leave no stone unturned. I especially appreciated his proactive approach—he analyzed the situation from the perspective of opposing counsel and used that insight to strategize effectively. His attention to detail and forward-thinking were invaluable. Beyond his professional skills, Chris is also the kind of person you’d enjoy spending time with—friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Kari
Lisa is a fierce advocate for her clients. Midway through my case, I switched attorneys and I am so glad I did. Lisa provided insights and expertise that were critical to turning my case around and repairing my reputation with the court. Adaptable and flexible, Lisa was able to pivot quickly as the need arose and come up with creative solutions. Working together, Lisa and Chris draw on each others strengths and are a powerful force. I highly recommend Banas Law for child custody.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Karen galo
They made this difficult task go smoothly and answered all of my questions and concerns. I would recommend them to everyone who needs this.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Barbara keena
13 Dec, 2024 by Kelly meinz
30 Jul, 2023 by Mitzi hughes
Craig represented my husband numerous times. Each time he won our cases.
Craig is honest fair and knows the law.
Thank you Craig for working so hard for us.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Ala rose
Professional. Knowledgeable. Precisely the attorney I needed. Many thanks.
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02 May, 2022 by R alvarez
Craig represented me in court many times on several subpoenas. He defeated all of them, so I never had to go to court. WAY TO GO CRAIG, THANKS AGAIN His knowledge of the law is excellent.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Jackie grinnell
Russell and his team handled our case with precision detail and care. They made the process simple and seamless. I understood everything that was happening and was able to reach out as often as I needed. They kept in touch 100 percent of the time and never left any questions unanswered. I would absolutely go back if ever I need anyone's help again and would recommend them over and over to family..friends and anyone needing their services.
Thank you so much!
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15 Dec, 2024 by Juli pelletier
We contacted Ben to set up a trust / guardianship for our daughter and do a will and trust for my husband and I. After meeting with him three times, he completely ghosted us. No return calls or emails.
Nice guy, not sure I’d recommend him.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Fadumo
Keaton Ostir, Attorney worked on a challenging car accident case for me. He went above and beyond what I initially expected. He was fantastic, staying in close communication with me throughout the entire process. Keaton fought for a good result. I can confidently say that I would use his services again and recommend him to anyone dealing with personal injury. I am truly grateful to Keaton for all his hard work.
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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.
