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24 Mar, 2017 by Nicholas
Bethany Ward thank you, and my family thanks you for all of the hard work and time that you put into our case. When we thought we didn't not have any other way to win Bethany Ward stepped in and made our case in a way that we could not express on our own. She was able to relay to the Judge how our rights were being violated and made our case valid and unjust in the eyes of the court.
Thanks to her we won the day, and her hard work, dedication and loyalty are the only reason we won.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Eric S. Schneider professionally guided me through the challenging, emotional, and difficult process of my temporary restraining order and child custody case. Eric kept me clear and focused on the facts and guided me to make decisions based on those facts and what is best for my children. Eric is a very fast thinker and was able to immediately stop several nonsensical requests during the process saving everyone time and costs. Eric’s tactical skills were matched by administrative and organizational ability. Everything Eric does is truly in the best interest of who he represents. It’s reassuring when he is able to put the opposing counsel in their place because he is better prepared and won’t let them fabricate and speak without legal facts. Eric rescued me from narcissistic ex and got me through the worst time of my life. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, highly respected by his peers, extremely personable and caring attorney. I will never forget how he has helped me and my family. In conclusion, I highly recommend Eric Schneider.
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08 Nov, 2014 by Charles
My experience with Kory representing me in my case has been exceptional. He had excellent communication and guided me through every step of the process. He took care of every matter and took the stress of this off my shoulders. As my case is ongoing, I consult with Kory on any matters that come up and always receive a quick response.
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02 Apr, 2021 by Michelle ok
From my Yelp review: I don't even know where to start with Adrian. Subbing Adrian in on my high-conflict military divorce military divorce case was one of the best choices I made throughout my litigation. At first, I really couldn't understand clearly his advice and actions throughout my case and sometimes I fought him on it. But he always remained calm and collected. My case is not over yet but I am extremely grateful to have him as my attorney. He was always upfront even when I was not understanding. He has fought for me AND the rightful way. He didn't even want me to call or email him me sometimes just to avoid me incurring more "attorney fees" unless I had a list of questions and concerns. Not many attorneys care how much you email or call them, but he did and that's important also Because the those monthly invoices are no joke. In conclusion, we all need an attorney like Adrian and his team at Mesnick Law. Adrian was very knowledgeable when it came to family law in the state of California and I really wish I hired him sooner.
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02 Jun, 2016 by Melody
Tricia is an outstanding divorce lawyer. She is knowledgeable and confident and always available to discuss important case issues. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants personal attention from a skilled attorney in a family law case. She made sure she knew my case thoroughly and was able to answer every question the judge asked. She was completely prepared during the motion and discussed every point of my case. I'm very pleased with her as a lawyer and the results of my case. It was not an easy case to begin with!
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31 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I was being harassed and stalked by a crazy woman who was making up lies about me, and trying to get me into trouble with the police. Ms. Tafoya was able expose the matter for what it was, and no charges were ever filed against me.
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29 Dec, 2016 by Heidi
I hired Sharon after my original attorney failed to get my case resolved in a timely manner forcing me to ultimately release him. I have a disabled Adult Child which made my case extremely complicated and other attorneys that I spoke with didn’t seem up for the fight. I found Sharon through a friend that had previously used her in the past. Sharon took the time to understand the complexities of my situation. Sharon and her team genuinely cared for me and my son with autism. She did an amazing job building my case and delivered the details to the presiding judge with poise. This has been one of the most tumultuous experiences of my life aside from the news of my only son being diagnosed with autism. I feel blessed that Sharon was on my side through it all.
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17 Jan, 2016 by Mike b.
Mr. Marshall helped my family and I through a very difficult matter involving an adversarial situation. We really appreciated his patience and knowledge of our rights according to the law. I would highly recommend Mr. Marshall to help you with matter pertaining to minor children. He took the time to explain how the Calif. Family law process works, and we were very comfortable with him when we had to meet with other attorneys representing the other side. His kindness and patience is something that set him above other lawyers we considered for our case, which was somewhat complicated in nature
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21 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Unlike my previous attorney, David was easy to reach any time I had questions. He moved my case along and settled my case within months of hiring him.
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19 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
Greg personally represented me all the way through my bankruptcy case and did a very good job. He didn't use any paralegals. He helped me to understand every aspect of what went on, including the reaffirmation of my car loan and the choice whether to try and have my student loans discharged based on hardship. Greg is a really good lawyer, and he's honest.
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11 Mar, 2022 by Kelly
My husband and I appreciated having the opportunity to work with Jennifer Bunyan on an arduous high-conflict case. Jennifer is professional, kind, compassionate, supportive, understanding, responsive, and personable. She is passionate about helping others; putting every effort into achieving the outcome your case deserves. It is rare to find an attorney who will listen to what you have to say and who will work collaboratively to navigate the stressors these cases often bring. We felt supported, heard, understood, and valued by Jennifer. With Jennifer's support, we felt we had someone in our corner giving voice to our needs and concerns with our family's best interest at heart. We trust Jennifer and the team at Neumann Family Law with any family matter we may have. We highly recommend this law firm to help you navigate your family law matter.
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27 May, 2013 by Melissa
Ms. Sbranti was an incredible help for a landlord/tenant case that I had a few months back. I had some renter issues with my previous landlord earlier this year. He refused to acknowledge any correspondence that my prior roommates or I sent to him regarding our security deposit. After nearly a month of no communication we got a hold of Ms. Sbranti. She immediately made contact with our landlord and within a week we had our full deposit back plus additional funds. She was extremely professional, timely and proved to be very successful. Without her help I am sure we would be in small claims court and still dealing with this issue five months later.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Priscilla
I'm needing a lawyer.. will write you an email.
..... Orif you may contact me please.... Thank you so much...
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13 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
I retained Hannah a few months ago and was very satisfied with her work. She did her research, and consulted with colleagues as needed. Like many, there are specific nuances to my case and she was able to identify and support the important issues. After the hearing was done and I was no longer represented, I had a few questions about recent incidents. She was more than happy to respond in detail and provided important resources for my follow up. Wanted to make sure she gets the kudos she deserves. Thank you, Hannah!! Wishing you well always.
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11 Nov, 2024 by Donovan van eetveldt
Annie represented me for over 2 years in a family court matter that had been ongoing for 2 years already. Annie is a shrewd and effective attorney. My case was complex and the opposing lawyers were a well-known and competent firm. Without hyperbole Annie is the reason I am a father today.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Diane ruelas
Best lawyer. I recommend him to all my friends, coworkers, and family. Did the very best for me and my family. Didn’t wanna deal with all parties from my accident and he made sure I got what I deserved. Worth it. Satisfied with the results.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Guillermo gonzalez
Matan Drelich is an excellent attorney who not only fights for you against insurance companies, he also makes sure you get a nice settlement even if his own portion is less than agreed when you first sign. Hard to believe after all you hear and see from other attorneys/firms but Matan is the real deal!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Christina maestre
Mr Drelich is an outstanding lawyer, who fought for me to receive a fair settlement. Matan gives his all to my case and was always available to talk with you. I had so many questions and Matan took the time to explain procedures, paperwork and terminology of the justice system. In addition, he took the time to research every aspect of my case and kept me informed the entire time. I’m so happy I made the call to his office and I will never be able to thank him enough.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Diane ruelas
Best lawyer. I recommend him to all my friends, coworkers, and family. Did the very best for me and my family. Didn’t wanna deal with all parties from my accident and he made sure I got what I deserved. Worth it. Satisfied with the results.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Guillermo gonzalez
Matan Drelich is an excellent attorney who not only fights for you against insurance companies, he also makes sure you get a nice settlement even if his own portion is less than agreed when you first sign. Hard to believe after all you hear and see from other attorneys/firms but Matan is the real deal!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Christina maestre
Mr Drelich is an outstanding lawyer, who fought for me to receive a fair settlement. Matan gives his all to my case and was always available to talk with you. I had so many questions and Matan took the time to explain procedures, paperwork and terminology of the justice system. In addition, he took the time to research every aspect of my case and kept me informed the entire time. I’m so happy I made the call to his office and I will never be able to thank him enough.
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06 Nov, 2024 by Diane ruelas
Best lawyer. I recommend him to all my friends, coworkers, and family. Did the very best for me and my family. Didn’t wanna deal with all parties from my accident and he made sure I got what I deserved. Worth it. Satisfied with the results.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Guillermo gonzalez
Matan Drelich is an excellent attorney who not only fights for you against insurance companies, he also makes sure you get a nice settlement even if his own portion is less than agreed when you first sign. Hard to believe after all you hear and see from other attorneys/firms but Matan is the real deal!
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27 Jun, 2024 by Christina maestre
Mr Drelich is an outstanding lawyer, who fought for me to receive a fair settlement. Matan gives his all to my case and was always available to talk with you. I had so many questions and Matan took the time to explain procedures, paperwork and terminology of the justice system. In addition, he took the time to research every aspect of my case and kept me informed the entire time. I’m so happy I made the call to his office and I will never be able to thank him enough.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Reggie a.
"Attorney Goldshmidt and her team at Holstrom, Block & Parke are outstanding professionals. Taylor and Brandy are my top choice if I ever need legal assistance again. Taylor was incredibly responsive to my needs, clearly explaining each step of the process. I highly recommend Holstrom, Block & Parke to anyone seeking a skilled and reliable family law firm."
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28 Oct, 2024 by Elayne gossmith
Taylor Goldschmidt, Esq. is a tough, competent, honest attorney with a heart. I searched for attorneys in San Diego County and sadly those attributes weren't easy to find. During my stressful, conflictual situation, Taylor was a true advocate. Whether she was delivering the punch in court, or in tough legal documents, she excelled. Taylor's creative solutions left the opposing side in retreat. Whenever the situation escalated, Taylor was always right there. Taylor Goldschmidt is more than an attorney when you need representation.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Tayla tingstad
Attorney Taylor Goldschmidt and her team Brandy and Kelley are absolutely amazing! They are knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. They helped me navigate my divorce process and custody situation. There were many times when I called in tears, and they comforted me and discussed strategic next steps. I am very happy with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend Holstrom, Block & Parke.
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18 Aug, 2023 by Julia laplante
I had a good experience with Anton and his associate attorney Emilia. I would recommend this firm. Anton is very smart and fights for his clients. He came up with a very good strategy to defend me. The firm was financially reasonable but, most importantly, they took the time for me, took my case seriously, and treated me with kindness and respect. I have been through a terrible legal ordeal and Anton gave me peace of mind and advocated successfully for my rights throughout. I have had very disappointing experiences with other attorneys in the past. So I can truly say: When one finds a good attorney it is simply golden. Highly recommended.
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10 Aug, 2023 by Iryna bodrova
Professional, quick response and helpful for any questions. Nice and clean work with documents, mediation work just made the whole process simple and affordable. Highly recommend 😌
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10 Aug, 2023 by Timothy allen
Anton's office did a fantastic job handling my case, reaching out to both myself and the other party proactively and consistently throughout. He prioritized getting the divorce case handled without costly back and forth, and was able to come in significantly under budget. I will be recommending him to others without any reservations whatsoever. Thanks again Anton and Emilia!
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19 Aug, 2024 by Ruben talamantes
Michelle is amazing,
Having to deal with my legal issues was stressful. I don’t know what to expect. When I met Michelle for the first time she was easy to talk to, answered all my questions and explained how things would go each step of the way. She was always available to answer my questions. I feel like she worked really hard to help
the judge understand my situation and took time to write an extensive client report that was helpful and supportive to my case. I often refer her to my friends and family. I hope I never need her again, but if I do I would definitely work with Michelle!
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16 Aug, 2024 by River tepetla
Ms.Reynoso advocates fearlessly and is dedicated to her clients. During very difficult times she assisted in walking me through the legal process with clear and expert advise. Reynoso Law made me feel safe and protected and I highly recommend to anyone needing their services
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25 Jun, 2018 by Heather
Carlos helped me with my custody agreement and he is to the point, no bulls**t and got the job done. He was worth every penny. If I ever have any more family law issues, he will be my first call. I highly recommend him to anyone. Semper Fi!
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07 Feb, 2017 by Christina
After 3.5 years battling in the courts I took my case to Antonyan Miranda. What my previous lawyer couldn't pull together after what seemed like endless court appearances and conferences with opposing counsel not to mention close to $100k in legal fees which amounted to absolutely nothing, Carlos Tavares was able to resolve in less than 6 months. Mr Tavares is tough. He's intelligent. He's prepared. He takes no s*it. He's responsible and trust worthy. He gave me my life back and operated with my best interest at every point along the way. Your life and your childrens' lives are in the hands of not just the court but the lawyer that represents you. Choose wisely. If you're just starting your case or if you have been wrapped up in a case that seems to be going no where give this company a call and request a consult. I can guarantee you it'll be one of the best decisions you ever make.
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25 Jan, 2017 by Khurl
Very personable and willing to go the extra mile for my case.
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21 Dec, 2024 by Stephanie s
Anthony helped me a lot throughout my case .
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05 Dec, 2024 by Will pham
Great team to work with!
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04 Dec, 2024 by Anabertha morales
22 Jan, 2025 by Andrew cook
The customer service was excellent. My questions were always answered promptly, and my case was handled professionally. I truly value their services.
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22 Jan, 2025 by Dilip ladwa
Everyone at The Law Office of Bradley was professional, organized, and informative. They handled my case promptly and efficiently.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Nicholas howard
The Law Office of Bradley was a blessing, handling my case professionally as expected from a top law firm. I will use them again—thank you for everything!
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25 Dec, 2024 by Nicole moeller
23 Dec, 2024 by Brett pugliesi
The team as Minella Law Group was fantastic. Great communication, great support throughout all of my needs and handled the matter with as much or as little urgency as I needed. Highly recommend!
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07 Dec, 2024 by Laura m
Cassidy and the entire Minella Law Group were very kind and held my hand with our Adult adoption process. Even when we were at the end signing in virtually to the court, Cassidy was texting me making sure all was good. That made me very happy. Thank you to all!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Andy p
Stuart did a great job when he created my Trust, Will, and LLC in 2017 when he was with a different practice. Now in 2025, I needed to update my Trust so I tracked Stuart down and found him in his own practice. Very thorough, yet very easy going personality. I highly recommend Stuart for your estate planning.
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24 Dec, 2024 by Behrouz aghili
From the very beginning of the process, where I had a phone conversation with Stuart, we felt very confident that we had chosen the right attorney firm for our case. Later, when Juanita took over the responsibility for our case, and started interacting with us, the confidence and trust just kept growing each time we communicated with her. Finally, the actual process of meeting with Juanita in order to go over everything and finalize our case went extremely well. Both Juanita and Stuart demonstrated outstanding professionalism as well as expertise throughout the entire process.
In conclusion, my wife and I know exactly which attorney firm to contact for our next possible case.
//Behrouz Aghili
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17 Dec, 2024 by Marie-claude angers
Juanita was very responsive and returned messages with great answers for all of my questions and more. She was very accommodating to my schedule and she kept a good communication when it was necessary. Most importantly, she provided very deep information to help me understand everything involved into my case and she delivered in a timely manner. I highly recommend working with Juanita! Thank you!
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18 Nov, 2024 by Ashley franklin
My family and I would recommend Mark with the highest rating. He is very knowledgeable, responsive, communicative and easy to speak with. I spent several hours consulting with different law firms and while everyone else was focused on the problem, Mark was focused on the solution. Mark's goal is best possible outcome for his client and he did just that. If you are reading this, it's probably because you or a loved one are in trouble and it's a scary and stressful situation. At a time like this, another mistake cannot be afforded, especially the wrong counsel. Mark is your best choice and he will spend the time to get to know you as a client, past and present situation and set a path forward.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Anthony perry
Good Evening Mark ,
I want to start of by saying i am extremely satisfied with the outcome from my Plea to count PC 415 (a) case ,truly blessed to be able to have you ,your team defending me , This was my first time having a lawyer and i can say with full confidence you guys had me truly stress free throughout this whole process ,when i first reached out to your team ,my search in google was Literally "best lawyer in San Diego "and you guys didn't fail me, I cant thank you guys enough truly thankful.
AP
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08 Oct, 2024 by Gordon brown
After my accident, Richard made sure that I was made whole again. He was professional, reassuring, and timely. He guided me through every step of this process and garnered the extent of the insurance policy. Accidents happen and they can be frightening. It was Morse Injury that gave me the confidence to know I was being taken care of.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Waste of time and energy for the money that was spent. Unorganized and scattered during the trials while bring up stuff/evidence that wasn't about my case.
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28 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Ms. Bostick is best out there. This is the best experience I have had with an attorney, she listens, she's extremely knowledgeable, organized, kind & fierce at the same time, she really cares, also she has a great personality. Everytime I needed to get a hold of her office, it was easy. She treated my case as the emergency it was. She is detail oriented, a great writer and very articulate. She helped me stay calm in a terrible situation in my life. She literally changed my life, got my son back home and I am really forever grateful for finding her, to be honest without her, things would not have gone that smoothly. I literally needed her representation. Another attorney that does a different practice referred me to her and he said, now she's the best! I'm so glad, I listened. If you have a tough case and not sure how to handle it, Ms. Tanisha Bostick, her paralegal, Ms. Nafis & Attorney Quintasia Walker are such a great team. I'm truly grateful for having this experience and changing my whole life back, getting it back to normal. Blessings to her and her family!
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21 Sep, 2022 by Deanna
Tanisha and her paralegal were amazing to work with. They answered all my concerns and advised me properly during a very difficult divorce/custody case. After being poorly represented by my first attorney, I was referred to Tanisha. She came in strong on my court day and represented me well. I received a favorable outcome and I'm so grateful. I highly recommend.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Jose ramirez
I was referred to Attorney David Simon after facing a DUI charge, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his help. From the very first consultation, he was clear, professional, and took the time to walk me through the legal process. Thanks to his skill and dedication, my charge was dropped, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. If you’re looking for an experienced lawyer to handle your case, I highly recommend David Simon Law!
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23 Dec, 2024 by Caleb dennison
David Simone is the best DUI lawyer you can hire. He got me the lowest sentence and penalties possible. He is nice, helpful, and easy to communicate with. If you want to have the best chance at fighting your court case he is the one to hire!
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08 Dec, 2024 by Calista papakalos
I got my first dui Jan 2021 which involved an additional charge and resulted in probation. I violated my probation with another dui in may 2024 and that’s when I contacted David Simon. For this whole year I was anxious about getting jail time and David kept me informed the entire process. I only physically went to court twice and the whole process was smooth and easy and very guided. I was looking at potentially 6 months of jail but got 60 days of house arrest instead. I’m very happy with the result considering my situation and will be using his services in the future to help expunge my old charges and terminate probation early.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Dexter hunter
I cannot recommend Allenby Law enough for their outstanding work on my estate planning. Attorney Dawn Allenby and her assistant Naomi Arana demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail throughout the entire process. They guided me through creating my revocable living trust, Will, health directive, and power of attorney with patience and clarity, ensuring every aspect was addressed thoroughly.
They took special care to include all my properties, such as my townhouse in San Diego and my home in Oklahoma, in my estate planning portfolio. Their meticulous efforts have given me a comprehensive and well-organized plan, providing the peace of mind I need. I now feel confident that when the time comes, my family will know exactly what steps to take without facing any unnecessary financial burdens.
Dawn and Naomi’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to their clients’ needs truly set them apart. If you’re seeking top-notch legal assistance for your estate planning, look no further than Allenby Law. I am so grateful for their excellent service!
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16 Nov, 2024 by Jimmy ray
Excellent attorney. We had a sudden, important, and time sensitive issue and John Varley came through. Big time. Very professional and conscientious lawyer that I highly recommend.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Kevin burkitt
I highly recommend Allenby Estate Planning. They made the entire process seamless and stress-free, expertly guiding us through the process, including handling unique business and property interests that wouldn't have fit a cookie-cutter approach. Dawn provided a clear roadmap, setting expectations at each step, making everything easy. She also focuses on a plan for the long term, ensuring everything stays up-to-date and well-managed well into the future. Professional, attentive, and detail-oriented – a pleasure 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.
