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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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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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05 Nov, 2024 by Nathan p. johnson
My experience with the team was nothing but good all the way through. If I could I would choose those guys again.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Sky chang
I have never felt that horrible before after I was a victim of hit and run. I know Tou Yang from hunting. My cousin referred me to him. The law office he worked took care of everything. All my bills are paid. I got paid. Christmas will be sweeter. Thanks Walsh and Gaertner.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Chao vang
My neighbor referred me to Walsh and Gaertner after I got rear ended. They were great. Smooth process from beginning to the end.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Hue cheng vue
My mother and I got really hurt from a car crash. My sister referred me to Walsh and Gaertner. They took care of everything. Thank you!
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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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12 Dec, 2024 by Jordan
Thanks for your help. Ryan answered my calls every time. He made things go smooth for me. Thanks again.
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11 Dec, 2024 by Collin
I got a hold of Ryan with my custody issue, he quickly got on top of the situation and he told me what we needed to do. It was as painless as it could have been every step of the way. He is extremely professional and good at what he does. Even though he doesn't normally do family court, he was excellent. I couldn't have made a better choice of representation.
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12 Oct, 2024 by Rickey
Ryan will fight for you he will do everything to get you out of bs I have him on speed dial if you need a good lawyer he's the
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23 Nov, 2024 by Pamela maddox
06 Nov, 2024 by Brenda marten
02 Sep, 2024 by Stacia kabbash
I completed my forms for a Saboxone claim and the were returned to me with no correspondence included. Am I not included ? Am I included? Do they need more information?
It sure would have been nice to know something, I am going to resubmit my claim that shows much much more work done, Just tell me something.
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18 Jan, 2023 by Nasrudin abdi
13 Dec, 2022 by Joe rittmann
06 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Represented a family member of mine as opposition in a family court case and was not only unprofessional but made decisions and gave legal counsel that was detrimental to our family but mostly to my nephew, a child. She brought tactics into the courtroom that were in direct contradiction to what family law’s goal is, which is to put the child first. I found her to be unsuitable as an attorney, was crass, and frankly, pulled some ugly stunts that only made her look bad. Seeing as she was working pro-bono, her lack of professionalism and care for the child’s best interest, lined up. Not only would I not recommend using her as your attorney, I also hope you never have to deal with her as representation for opposition. Now we’re having to deal with her associate, Michael Ortner, in an appeal case that is completely unnecessary. Was, and still is, genuinely a drawn out and horrific experience because of Theresa Bofferding and her disregard for human beings.
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22 May, 2024 by Gordon nelson
would give him zero starts if we could.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Yousef tww
28 Jun, 2023 by Fatima papalotzi
22 May, 2024 by Gordon nelson
would give him zero starts if we could.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Yousef tww
28 Jun, 2023 by Fatima papalotzi
22 May, 2024 by Gordon nelson
would give him zero starts if we could.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Yousef tww
28 Jun, 2023 by Fatima papalotzi
07 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Jennifer is extremely biased and is only out to make money. DO NOT use her services. She will make you jump through hoops with NO clear cut goals or reasons.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Jorge olivarez cardona
By far one the best immigration lawyers. Well, recommended… 🙌🏼🙌🏼Thank you
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17 Feb, 2023 by Adri ramirez
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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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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28 Apr, 2023 by Thein san
In my divorce case, he made mistake without translator , late 10 mins.
Lack of knowledge .
Very bad lawyer, don’t waste time and money here.
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31 Dec, 2022 by Juicy smooyay
Great, reasonable and affordable lawyer. Help me out big time and will recommend to anyone. I appreciate what u did and will always be grateful, thanks!
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17 Oct, 2022 by Sheelue yang
22 Dec, 2023 by Mike knispel
18 Apr, 2023 by Katie brown
Purse someone who has been or have it worst. What a joke trying to represent the Asian decedent's.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Voni k
Attorney Ma Manee Moua has been a huge help. She's thorough, up front, and honest. She's on top of her game and very knowledgeable in her areas of expertise.
Her years of experience speaks for itself. I would continue to refer her to my family and friends.
Thank you Attorney Ma Manee for all that you do. Your commitment is priceless.
LK
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28 Apr, 2023 by Thein san
In my divorce case, he made mistake without translator , late 10 mins.
Lack of knowledge .
Very bad lawyer, don’t waste time and money here.
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31 Dec, 2022 by Juicy smooyay
Great, reasonable and affordable lawyer. Help me out big time and will recommend to anyone. I appreciate what u did and will always be grateful, thanks!
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17 Oct, 2022 by Sheelue yang
22 Dec, 2023 by Mike knispel
18 Apr, 2023 by Katie brown
Purse someone who has been or have it worst. What a joke trying to represent the Asian decedent's.
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01 Mar, 2023 by Voni k
Attorney Ma Manee Moua has been a huge help. She's thorough, up front, and honest. She's on top of her game and very knowledgeable in her areas of expertise.
Her years of experience speaks for itself. I would continue to refer her to my family and friends.
Thank you Attorney Ma Manee for all that you do. Your commitment is priceless.
LK
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03 Sep, 2014 by Caroline
I would highly recommend Elizabeth Clysdale. She is very knowledgeable ethical, experienced and very well prepared. She has extensive court room experience. Elizabeth is responsive and dedicated to your case.
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03 Sep, 2014 by Brian
I would highly recommend Elizabeth Clysdale if you have questions and/or concerns regarding divorce or are heading down that path. Elizabeth's experience, judgement, acumen and overall legal prowess/aptitude was impressive and allayed my fears. She is extremely knowledgeable and fair and really strives to find a 'common ground' and/or solution between both parties that will work well and maintain a cost-effective basis. Elizabeth has a calming presence about her that genuinely helped me feel comfortable and confident in having her navigate me through my divorce - she did an excellent job throughout the entire process.
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09 Aug, 2012 by Tania
Elizabeth Clysdale has represented me for a period of years in a family law matter. I trust her completely. She was easy to work with, on top of each matter as it arose, and always kept me informed of what was happening and what would be happening next. She was very knowledgable in anticipating a referee's decision and in using the best possible strategy. I had favorable outcomes in numerous matters with her as my attorney. She was fair financially, using a legal assistant when possible to keep my costs down, and in the end, she worked with me to allow me time to pay my bill. I would highly recommend her to friends in need of legal assistance (and have actually done so).
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29 Oct, 2024 by Ariuna abasheeva
My lawyer Jersey 2,5 years ago asked me to write my story, and he let me write in Russian by pan on notebook. I spent about two months to write my stories. And he didn’t read my story at all. He didn’t know my story until in one week before my court. He didn’t announce me about my court date, after than he didn’t answer my call. Secretary was so neglected, and arrogant. He also took 410$ for work permit and made a mistake several times so I had gotten the permit in 1,5 years.
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23 Jan, 2024 by Gregory diedrich
14 Nov, 2023 by Elen parunina
We had a great experience with attorney Jerzy T. Guzior. He was very efficient, detailed oriented, and highly professional. I highly recommend him for anyone who is facing immigration issues.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Michelle
I hired Kelly to help me get spousal maintenance from my ex. She was great to work with, knew what she was doing and answered my questions when I needed it - I had her on speed-dial on my phone for 4 months of my life. I would hire her again.
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11 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
My cousin and I both had Kelly as our attorney, my case was a divorce, my cousin's was a child support case. I found Kelly from a recommendation by a co-worker, and I was not at all sure what to expect from her or the process, but I am so glad that I contacted her. My ex dragged the case out, paid his attorney huge fees to file needless documents, and generally made my life, and our kids' lives, suck for quite a while. Kelly cut past all of that, kept me focused when I was on the verge of falling apart, was efficient and knew the county and the process very well. My cousin's case was shorter and less traumatic, but we both felt that Kelly did a great job and did not waste our money with busywork.
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09 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
Told me (her former client) to basically shut up and that she was building a networking relationship with my ex's attorney rather than listen to what my needs were. Made me feel worthless for having judicare and that I should be thanking her for her services. (Rude) Showed up 5 minutes before court, never met her before that, not time to prepare. I had her on speaker phone so my coworkers could listen to her as she said I was 'arguing' but I was only trying to tell her papers I was served. She never found that out because she didn't listen. Couldn't get paperwork right, always messing up if I was the petitioner or respondent. I had to correct her. Has no personality and she is not a good attorney or human being. She has no heart
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24 Oct, 2024 by Legendofthepeople
My dad hired him just to find out he doesn't speak on your behalf. Horrible Hmong lawyer. Avoid at all cost.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Damon rowe
I was impressed with the personalized attention I received from Butterbrodt Law. They truly cared about my case and worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
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13 Nov, 2023 by Eric carter
Simply outstanding! Eric Rice is amazing in his knowledge, client needs, and professionalism. I highly recommend working with him!
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11 Oct, 2023 by Skennys salgado
04 Aug, 2023 by Laurie estreita hernandez
21 Sep, 2018 by Dora polk
They are all about arresting the wrong people they don’t care if justice is served
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11 Oct, 2023 by Skennys salgado
04 Aug, 2023 by Laurie estreita hernandez
21 Sep, 2018 by Dora polk
They are all about arresting the wrong people they don’t care if justice is served
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18 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
If you are a father and have a high conflict ex who does everything in her power to limit or stop your parenting time, do not use this woman as a parental consultant. She will follow the mothers visitation agreement to a T, but will change yours to fit what the mother wants. She charges attorney fees. Fathers, just take your ex back to court and get more parenting time Ordered. Get a lawyer and don’t waste your money on this lady.
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15 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
She sugar coated everything and mislead me at the beginning. She was favoring the other party. She wasted my money and messed up my case.
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14 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
Did nothing except send emails and bogus phone call and was charging $250 an hour for a work that could have been done by an office clerk.
She was siding with the other party.
What kind of lawyer do this???
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04 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
doesn’t bring justice to POC being harassed by white women even when there is evidence and multiple confessions from the respondent. tried to defend the respondent and represent her for free then sided and abused discretion by failing to submit all evidence and tried to claim cyberstalking wasn’t in the minnesota statute when it indeed is under technology means. this person should NOT be an attorney let alone be on a bench of minnesota’s judicial branch! she took an oath to know the laws and the fact she doesn’t know what technology is is disgusting. and she is bias and abused discretion DO NOT expect ANY justice if you’re a person of color
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31 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
did not care, one sided, downplayed, bias. Didn't care If was being abused. Failed to submit proper documents. Downright cruel.
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14 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Victoria put my child in danger. Victoria downplayed the abuse my child endured & ignored the death threats towards my child. She stated she worked a lot of hours on my case to charge a ton, yet never itemized her work. It never seemed as if she was very prepared when it came to court. I moved to another lawyer who proved abuse against the statues of MN and helped to protect my child. It is unfortunate that Victoria doesn't seem to understand abuse and the impacts that come with it. I hope she finds more training on the matter or sends abuse cases to attorneys who do. I wish she was transparent about not understanding abuse and did not take on my case.
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08 May, 2024 by Roife law group
I am a local immigration attorney who needed some legal counsel from this firm. They came highly recommended by another well known attorney. Unfortunately, this firm is a HUGE disappointment to all consumers alike. I hope someone at big business reads this review. There is no onboarding process for this firm. None. You are at the mercy even as a colleague of poorly trained staff and assistants to get someone to pay attention to your case. The communication with this firm has been awful. Emails unanswered. Phone calls ignored. The firm waisted about 2.5 months of my client's case only to send a snarky response that they decline to represent, which is not what we were looking for (we needed a second opinion on case value). The employee (law clerk) who was assigned to our case left midway our project. No one got back to us on that. In sum, take your business elsewhere as I would say this firm has a chronic internal management problem that will continue into representation. If my prospective clients in my firm were treated this way, I would be fired on the spot and rightfully so. If my staff treated anyone the way we were treated, they would be fired on the spot as well for cause. Take note!
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08 Apr, 2024 by Ahmed issa
12 Feb, 2024 by Ed stark
Best group of attorneys.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Big me
This lawyer does not care about your feelings or anything about your case. Don’t care about the issue you tell her. I would not waste my time with her . Pass this person up.
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13 Oct, 2021 by Jack
Shuly Her is a smart and talented lawyer and a really asset to the profession.
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30 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
The prior reviewer's comments are spot on in every way. From her unprofessional and combative manner to her unsubstantiated accussations to her lack of listening skills, she not only exacerbated the ill will between me and my ex but simultaneously damaged my poor children for whom she was supposedly advocating for as parenting consultant. She is downright rude, doesn't discern fact from fiction, can't recall her own decisions even though she authored them, and lacks follow through. She overly inserts herself into the case matters and creates issues instead of resolving them....why? Why not? From her perspective each set of co parents is viewed as a revenue stream. It isn't about helping two ex partners resolve issues relative to the children they are co parenting, it is about the money...
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13 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Mary Lauhead at times does not see the unintended consequences of her approach towards litigation. While she can be an ardent advocate for her client, she doesn't realize her combative manner alienates co-parents and eliminates any good will. She makes unsubstantiated accussations designed to character assassinate the opposite side. I have found her to be lacking in civility, always combative, and seeks to always have the last word. She is not a good listener and has ruined my relationship with my former spouse.
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14 Jan, 2013 by Derrick
Paid nearly 10k to have her represent me. Only showed at 2 mediations. The second mediation was postponed but i was not informed of this so I wasted half a day trying to find out what was going on. Rarely answered her voicemails from me and would tell me she did not get them. That was several times. Did not even try to go after my wifes company or bring up active appreciation which I heard about from 3 other attorneys after she dropped me. But she was nice enough to offer my 401k up to compensate for my wifes marital debts. I would ask for any advice on how to get through this process and got no advice but was charged for every call or email i assume because what I spent seems brutally high for someone to only show up at 2 mediations for a few hours each time and at the end of the second mediation, i was told that I would be allowed to only keep my car I bought when I was 17 long before my marriage while my wife was allowed to hide her 1/3 of the family business she was given while we were together. I am convinced that she honestly did not care what happened to me at all for the last 4 months I was paying her. I understand that it's a divorce and not all roses but she did absolutely nothing for me. The things she was telling me to agree to in the second mediation were truly insulting and I was speechless. I did not agree to anything and the letter of withdrawal of councel was just as insulting when she told me how close i was to settling. If she had her way, i would have had nothing and unfortunately i am almost 10k poorer. Before the divorce...
After talking to two other attorneys, i was told I could probably do a better job representing myself and i should just go to court because i was being offered nothing by my wifes attorney so i couldn't do any worse than that...
Words cannot describe how disappointed I am in choosing her.
Very poor service, but had the excuses at the ready and lied to my face to cover her own tail.
I could go on and on with this... But i guess I can sum it up as without a doubt, the worst money I ever spent and I plan to continue to spread the word on how I feel about her.:-(
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26 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
Warning: Pass on this one! Rohr is just another attorney (court actor) that doesn't represent her client's interests in the fraudulant system. She encourages clients to participate in junk reunification therapy which isn't a therapy. It's another part of the fraudulant system and racketeering. She helped the opposing side by not securing support and not doing needed duscovery. Her work product for $350 an hour is no better than a $180 hour attorney. She thinks very highly of her self (red flag) and isn't respectfully of her client's needs. She participates in the fraud of the system and didn't truly care about fighting for what was right for me. Know that the attorneys and judicial officers all belong to the same bar which is a conflict of interest. They work together .
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Discover the ideal lawyer
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
