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25 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
I went to Valerie for advice to be sure I was doing everything possible to protect my son's interests in the divorce and she gave me a clear list of documents I needed to get signed to be sure I had what I needed should there be a fight in the next 18 years. She knows what she's doing and her calm demeanor gave me confidence when officially filing my divorce. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
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19 Oct, 2012 by Matt
Richard Wilson helped me with family law custody issues. He listened to all my concerns, answered all my questions, and gave me very helpful advice. When I contacted him I was very worried about the well being of my son. I highly recommend his services.
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07 Nov, 2014 by David
I don't know if Ms. Cassell is in practice anymore, I use to do Estate business with her, but have not been able to connect with her. her phone message box is full and has been for over a year.
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03 Apr, 2015 by Katherine
Mr. Shebby began handling my case about seven years ago. In that time he has provided invaluable advice and guidance from a disputed divorce settlement transitioning to custody issues.
In the beginning, Mr. Shebby was very honest with me about his experience and had been very fair with his billing. Being pregnant and unable to work (a biological hazardous lab technician) to a sleep deprived could not find employment single mother, I struggled to pay all of my legal bills; Mr. Shebby did not stop representing me nor sending it for collection. Instead, he set up an installment plan with me. His legal secretary is very punctual. She took care of the paperwork and kept up with all the submission deadlines to court. There was not an instance where we missed a court appearance or response to a filing.
It was an incredibly stressful and trying time for me, Mr. Shebby was and continues to be exceedingly supportive and successful. Mr. Shebby won an argue for an ex parte move away order in my case, getting permission from the court to move out of state with a minor child in a custody dispute is very, very rare. I am greatly indebt to Mr. Shebby. He had allowing me to have a new start in life with my child again.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Nayely
Preston worked in collaboration with David on the negotiations of my Marital Settlement agreement (when it became evident that I wouldn't be able to continue the divorce process on my own) all the way until the filed-endorsed copies of the Judgment arrived and the transactions of assets agreed upon were completed.
The process of finding a lawyer in such a difficult personal time was very overwhelming, I talked with a couple more divorce lawyers before contacting the FKK&B LLP firm and I will forever be grateful for having been able to hire their service.
They were very patient with me when explaining my options, their ability to use hard cold facts to negotiate with opposing counsel was always on point and effective, their attention to detail, fast and clear communication to resolve my doubts (not just from them but from the Paralegal, Julia Morris) allowed me to maintain my peace of mind and stay focused on protecting my assets the best possible way, without doing any rushed actions. It took us about 10 months to fully settle and sign the agreement, I know that it would had taken me way longer if I'd attempted to negotiate on my own, I couldn't have done it without them.
I think they did a terrific job, you're in good hands with this team, would recommend them any day.
Thank you.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Inderjit khera
We were referred to Rob by Joel Bonjour regarding a life threatening injury.
Rob did an excellent job in getting us the best possible settlement. We loved our experience working with Rob.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Ekkehard
From the first consultation to the final settlement the team at Golden State Lawyers was supportive and professional. They made a challenging time in my life much easier to handle..
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11 Jun, 2024 by Peter sparke
Golden State Lawyers went above and beyond to ensure my case was handled efficiently. Their attention to detail and dedication was evident from start to finish...
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28 Jan, 2025 by Jeremy carlo
Resolving a challenging merger with ease, truly a team that understands the intricacies of corporate law.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Kira reese
Knowledgeable team with a focus on client satisfaction and success.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Makena diya
Professionalism at its peak, they turned my business's legal woes into a smooth sailing journey.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Jeremy carlo
Resolving a challenging merger with ease, truly a team that understands the intricacies of corporate law.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Kira reese
Knowledgeable team with a focus on client satisfaction and success.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Makena diya
Professionalism at its peak, they turned my business's legal woes into a smooth sailing journey.
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19 Sep, 2022 by Maxwell anderson
Excellent professional business for family law.. you won't find better in the silicon valley..
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13 Jul, 2020 by Dave erickson
Natalie is a very professional, hard working and intelligent. She helped me tremendously through my divorce and I am glad to have had her on my side and helping with negotiating the terms of my settlement. I would highly recommend her to anyone that has challenging and complicated situations or factors in their personal divorce situation.
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05 Jan, 2020 by Jeanine anderson
Natalie Daprile is professional, fair, and honest. She is extremely knowledgeable in family law and knows what is and is not worth pursuing. Unlike the law firm my ex chose, she never tried to extend my case just for billable hours. Her calm, confident demeanor put me at ease in every situation. Everyone that I met from the Daprile-Bell law firm was extremely proficient in their roles. I highly recommend Ms. Daprile to anyone looking for representation in marriage dissolution.
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12 Jul, 2022 by Fernando sanchez
Vik is a hard working attorney with great knowledge for law ! Your go to attorney !
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09 Dec, 2018 by Bill ingraham
Vik is professional and attentive. He fought hard to get my case dropped. He refused to be bullied by the DA to accept a deal. Great representation. Highly recommend!
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27 Aug, 2019 by Betzbookkeeping
Great attorneys
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24 Jan, 2025 by Mateo mechanics
23 Jan, 2025 by Alexa c.
Muy buen servicio.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Yunuen silva
24 Nov, 2024 by Vasist sharma
Attorney Elham,
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable help in reviewing my RFE and providing such clear and insightful advice. Your expertise and attention to detail were evident, and it gave me the confidence I needed to navigate this complex process.
Your promptness and thoroughness in addressing my concerns truly stood out, and I deeply appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to ensuring everything was in order.
Thank you once again for your outstanding support.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Nancy tobesman - globalwomenpower
I just met Attorney Elham at the Plug & Play Meetup recently in Sunnyvale. Wow, such a vibrant and proactive personality. She certainly deseres your business because it's you life she can transform to naturalize here in the USA.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Yacos haslam
If you didn't know, they also work with motorcycles. I got my bike purchased back at full value, and can now get a safer vehicle to ride.
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24 Nov, 2024 by Vasist sharma
Attorney Elham,
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable help in reviewing my RFE and providing such clear and insightful advice. Your expertise and attention to detail were evident, and it gave me the confidence I needed to navigate this complex process.
Your promptness and thoroughness in addressing my concerns truly stood out, and I deeply appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to ensuring everything was in order.
Thank you once again for your outstanding support.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Nancy tobesman - globalwomenpower
I just met Attorney Elham at the Plug & Play Meetup recently in Sunnyvale. Wow, such a vibrant and proactive personality. She certainly deseres your business because it's you life she can transform to naturalize here in the USA.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Yacos haslam
If you didn't know, they also work with motorcycles. I got my bike purchased back at full value, and can now get a safer vehicle to ride.
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28 Feb, 2025 by Kevin alexander
17 Dec, 2024 by Sandra cortez
I was very please with their assistance and got results on my first appeal on my SSI. They have offered to continue to assist me even with Medicare without additional fees. Truly reccomend
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12 Dec, 2024 by Enedina hernandez
My experience with Laporta Law Firm was very excellent and satisfying service very kind friendly she was on top of everything very good results on my case I highly recommend this law firm whoever's looking for an excellent lawyer.
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28 Feb, 2025 by June
Julia helped my mother to apply greencard. The instruction was clear and she answered any question very promptly. We are so happy that we already received the approval and just waiting for the greencard to arrive!
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19 Feb, 2025 by Lynnelynn lynne
Just receive my green card today. The lawyer is very professional and responsible.
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23 Dec, 2024 by Harvey ping
Since 2018, Ms Lu has been helping me with my green card application, which was finally approved today.Ms Lu is a very professional, experienced, and responsible person.Merry Christmas!!!
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29 Jan, 2025 by Lia giraldo
Dmitri was great and accompanied us through all our process. He is always on top of things, reassuring and very communicative of what's going on. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who needs a lawyer.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Armando
Going with Stadlin Law Firm was by far the best decision I could have made during a very difficult time. From our very first meeting Dmitry was the ultimate professional, extremely knowledgeable and helpful in explaining in detail my situation, what the process would be like and potential outcomes. I really felt he was by my side every step of the way, always reassuring a keeping things calm. Dmitry ran the entire process well organized, keeping me up to date with scheduling and all legal proceedings/documents and not to mentioned he fought and delivered the most favorable outcome, I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend Dmitry, he was definitely the single changing factor in this situation, I can't thank him enough.
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26 Jan, 2025 by Sameen khan
When life throws terrible and extreme liars your way, you need the best lawyer in town to handle them. Thank goodness we found Dimitry! He’s a true expert, highly responsive, and knows his job inside out. I would 100% recommend him!
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26 Dec, 2024 by Rahrie g.
A family member was in need of a attorney for a felony charge. After interviewing several criminal defense attorney's we unanimously choose Maureen Baldwin. She guided us through the process with confidence and knowledge. We most appreciated Maureen's attention to detail of the case and work she had placed on our case. In the end Maureen was able to secure a favorable outcome for your family member.
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18 Nov, 2024 by Nxt “nwa” w
Wonderful experience working with Vijay. He is good hearted and treats everyone with respect. We were extremely satisfied with his legal representation and he got the most favourable results for the case.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Dayue tan
He is an exceptionally professional, compassionate, and kind lawyer! Thanks to his efforts, our case was ultimately dismissed. Throughout this time, he provided us with immense support. We are very grateful for his dedication!
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25 Nov, 2024 by Anthony hsu
I have known this firm for some time and have referred many colleagues to them, even family members. It's reassuring to have a trusted partner in family law who is not only knowledgeable but also results-driven. Their commitment to their clients is evident, and they consistently deliver exceptional outcomes. What stands out even more is their incredible community impact—it's on another level. I am confident in recommending them to anyone in need of family law services.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Rick trevino
It's hard to find a law firm with as much collective experience as Hoover Krepelka, LLP. And when you’re in the midst of a complex divorce or custody dispute where every decision counts and has a lasting impact, having 250+ years of collective family law experience matters even more. With over a dozen attorneys, fluent in multiple languages, they are well-positioned to help you and your loved ones successfully navigate a divorce, custody and support dispute, or property valuation and division.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Tammythao
I worked with this firm to consult about my mom's partner's previous marriage and to understand the status of her marital property shared with her ex-husband. The attorneys were very knowledgeable and took the time to clearly explain the details of the situation. Nowadays, you never know what firm operates from satellite workspaces, but I was pleased to find that their office was conveniently just down the block. This made it easy for me to stop by whenever needed. Their expertise and accessibility truly made the process much smoother for me.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Anthony hsu
I have known this firm for some time and have referred many colleagues to them, even family members. It's reassuring to have a trusted partner in family law who is not only knowledgeable but also results-driven. Their commitment to their clients is evident, and they consistently deliver exceptional outcomes. What stands out even more is their incredible community impact—it's on another level. I am confident in recommending them to anyone in need of family law services.
Read more
22 Nov, 2024 by Rick trevino
It's hard to find a law firm with as much collective experience as Hoover Krepelka, LLP. And when you’re in the midst of a complex divorce or custody dispute where every decision counts and has a lasting impact, having 250+ years of collective family law experience matters even more. With over a dozen attorneys, fluent in multiple languages, they are well-positioned to help you and your loved ones successfully navigate a divorce, custody and support dispute, or property valuation and division.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Tammythao
I worked with this firm to consult about my mom's partner's previous marriage and to understand the status of her marital property shared with her ex-husband. The attorneys were very knowledgeable and took the time to clearly explain the details of the situation. Nowadays, you never know what firm operates from satellite workspaces, but I was pleased to find that their office was conveniently just down the block. This made it easy for me to stop by whenever needed. Their expertise and accessibility truly made the process much smoother for me.
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31 Jan, 2025 by Nilathecat y
Overpriced.
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10 Jan, 2025 by John maverick quinto
GJEL went above and beyond to help me with my case. They were compassionate, clear, and fought hard for a great outcome. I felt supported every step of the way. Thank you, GJEL!
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07 Jan, 2025 by Eric nelson
I'm opening with the statement: INCREDIBLE service, attention to detail, and follow up! I sustained injuries in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, and for the first time in my life I realized that I was going to need more than my own auto insurance company's assistance. Fortunately for me, I was referred to the team at GJEL Accident Attorneys as a starting point, and I didn't need to seek any other guidance after that. I completed a very quick and efficient phone call to explain my circumstances to the firm, and before I could blink I had received an email with clear and simple steps to take to begin the process. I was treated with kindness and compassion during a time when I had a lot of worries about the accident. They made me feel so at ease by advising that they would essentially take over all of the difficult correspondence that was already starting - whether it was my insurance company, the other driver's insurance company, hospital bill inquiries, etc, they handled it all immediately. I was informed and advised at every step down the path to settlement, and their timeliness along the way was so impressive that it made me feel that somehow I was their only client. I wholeheartedly recommend GJEL Accident Attorneys should the need arise, as the entire team had incredible industry knowledge, and they were punctual and professional at every step.
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01 May, 2024 by Anonymous
Strengths: Helpful, knowledgeable, energetic, strong courtroom presence.
Weaknesses: Billing concerns. Time spent on non-prioritized matters.
Recommendation: Consider Julia for her legal skills, but ensure clear communication upfront regarding priorities and budget to avoid billing issues.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Shannon
I called her and was honest from the beginning that I could not afford her regular fees. I told her that I was just taking a random chance that she may help me as an attorney by taking me on at pro bono or reduced rate. She was super nice . She was talking to me for 30 minutes and empathized with my situation and we laughed about some things we had in common. Before we got off the phone , she told me she’d be in touch shortly to discuss “next steps !” I was very clear with her that I had a hearing later that afternoon and that my case was time sensitive . She said not to worry that she’d help me. I waited and waited - no call. I called her after a few hours , Bht no answer. Finally I ended up going to my hearing , not having heard anything from her at all. I was really taken aback as she assured she’d help me. I called her from my google voice number , wondering if she was avoiding me. Sure enough , she picked up. But what was shocking was she acted like I had done something wrong and acted like I was somehow a random person she’d never
Spoken to. Luckily toward the last 10-12 min of the 30 min call I’d had with her earlier, where she’d been 180 degree different and nice, the maintenance man was fixing something
In my apartment. I had been in the kitchen when I spoke to her, while he was
In the living room working on the heater. I asked him if he recalled me talking to someone and being already on the phone when he first came in ( I have given authorization for maintenance to enter without me having to open door or be home) and he said yes, he did remember . I asked him if the conversation sounded weird or bad as I talked from what he could hear from my end of the call. I was doubting myself with how Julia responded to me as she answered the phone. He said that he didn’t hear anything that sounded
Like a negative conversation and had heard me laughing a few times ( as I had also remembered ).
In any case , I’m not sure if there is an identical twin , an alternate personality or what it was . But her behavior was concerning. She left me hanging after I had counted on her and was waiting for her to follow through. My suspicion is that she communicated with minors counsel on my case, likely violated confidentiality and
Minors counsel has already violated confidentiality by disclosing and sending a previous case we had that was sealed, and sending documents to parties that had no right to view it. She’s under investigation by California bar attorney regulation. I’m reporting Julia to the same board for this. Her lack of professionalism was a hindrance to my case. She didn’t even have the decency to inform me she would not follow through. She instead left me waiting for her, never having the courtesy to let me know so I would not have wasted my time.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
My ex filed a restraining order against me based on false claims and somehow the order was erroneously granted by a judge prior to a hearing. I desperately needed a family law firm to help me through this situation as my career had been jeopardized. I decided to call Bressman Family Law after seeing great yelp reviews. While other firms would have assistants call me and give me boilerplate answers to my concerns, Julia was the only one to give me a call directly and give me advice during my free consultation. She immediately started to run through strategic ways she would handle my case. I felt heard. I hired Bressman Family Law firm and in turn was provided with great service by Julia and Andrew. They're both very knowledgeable lawyers and experts in their field. They were aggressive in their tactics and they were able to settle my case outside of court which saved me money in the long run. Julia and Andrew worked outside of regular hours and dedicated a lot of time and effort into my case; sometimes even late into the night. I hope never to have to use them again! But if needed, I know they will get the job done.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Anthony hsu
I have known this firm for some time and have referred many colleagues to them, even family members. It's reassuring to have a trusted partner in family law who is not only knowledgeable but also results-driven. Their commitment to their clients is evident, and they consistently deliver exceptional outcomes. What stands out even more is their incredible community impact—it's on another level. I am confident in recommending them to anyone in need of family law services.
Read more
22 Nov, 2024 by Rick trevino
It's hard to find a law firm with as much collective experience as Hoover Krepelka, LLP. And when you’re in the midst of a complex divorce or custody dispute where every decision counts and has a lasting impact, having 250+ years of collective family law experience matters even more. With over a dozen attorneys, fluent in multiple languages, they are well-positioned to help you and your loved ones successfully navigate a divorce, custody and support dispute, or property valuation and division.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Tammythao
I worked with this firm to consult about my mom's partner's previous marriage and to understand the status of her marital property shared with her ex-husband. The attorneys were very knowledgeable and took the time to clearly explain the details of the situation. Nowadays, you never know what firm operates from satellite workspaces, but I was pleased to find that their office was conveniently just down the block. This made it easy for me to stop by whenever needed. Their expertise and accessibility truly made the process much smoother for me.
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10 Dec, 2024 by N j
I called Ms. Ekaterina Berman to consult with a case, and she provided excellent consultation even she didn't have time to take my case.
She listens really well. She gets my point immediately, and gets to her point clearly. The communication was very professional and easy.
She offered her professional take on the case and on my concerns, even I haven't hired her. She does not just care about money. She said, to save the time and money, what is the good way to proceed instead of forcing me a case to open and hire her.
Although I didn't end up with working with her on my case, I feel only someone who is good at what he/she is doing can do practice and work in the way Ms. Ekaterina Berman does. So I feel this is outstanding from others in the business, and it should be made aware to anyone who seeks for help and service.
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29 Oct, 2024 by Jorge quintoa
My daughter was able to successfully be awarded social security due to the dedication of this law firm.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Matthew joseph
I recently needed legal guidance and found a top-notch law firm that truly exceeded my expectations. The attorneys are not only highly skilled but also incredibly empathetic.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Jeremy carlo
Resolving a challenging merger with ease, truly a team that understands the intricacies of corporate law.
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27 Jan, 2025 by Kira reese
Knowledgeable team with a focus on client satisfaction and success.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Makena diya
Professionalism at its peak, they turned my business's legal woes into a smooth sailing journey.
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15 Feb, 2025 by Rigo cortez
I reached out to Shnider Law Firm in desperate need of help in regards of a legal matter that my gf and i are facing. They weren’t able to take our case due to them not handling these types of cases however they went the extra mile in to reaching out to there people when they didn’t have to and took time out of there day to help me out. Called me back within minutes pointing me in the right direction and relieve some stress. Shnider law firm handled themselves with top tier professionalism and hospitality. Never hesitate to reach out to them! THANK YOU !
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11 Feb, 2025 by Victoria winters
I contacted the Shnider Law Firm with an urgent matter involving my daughter. From the moment I spoke with their legal assistant, Jennifer Caballero, I felt calmer and reassured before even meeting Mr. Shnider. I can’t speak highly enough of them both—within two hours, they resolved my issue and completely turned my day around. Their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care made all the difference. I recommend Mr. Shnider’s law firm to anyone without hesitation who faces a sensitive legal concern.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Kevin sielski
I cannot recommend Adam enough, he is an amazing lawyer and even better man. He provided seamless service along with prompt feedback for any questions or concerns I had regarding my case. His attention to detail, expertise, and dedication to his clients is very apparent. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely cares about their clients Adam is your guy!!
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11 Nov, 2024 by Teija rosen
I highly respect Mr. Chau as I have witnessed an outstanding performance in my divorce proceedings. During the entire process, his fundamental goal was to enter into the agreement as soon as possible. He wanted to cut court and legal costs as much as possible and stop the meaningless document stacking, which added great volume regarding timewise and cost. When we finally signed the agreement, it was robust and beyond my expectations. I am very grateful because the legal costs finally ended, and the agreement was final and secured, more favorable to me than I had expected.
Mr. Chau listens carefully to my input and comments, as well as all parties involved. He keeps things moving forwards and the result is an acceptable agreement. His services are top class. He is a lawyer with high morals and ethics. All the proposals suggested for an agreement came from Mr. Chau, and I have much to be grateful for. His skillful negotiation tactics, strategies to settle, wisdom, experience, and expertise produced a solid final agreement.
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30 Apr, 2024 by Gian torre
James Chau is very knowledgeable within the field of Family Law Practices and is a pleasure to work with. Thank you James Chau for you buisness. Gian Torre from Valetorre Appaisal Services.
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19 Apr, 2024 by Edwina leung
A very responsible Attorney. No delayed, made the case closed quickly.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Rachel
Super thankful for Josh (and Chris) for bringing this case to an end and helping settle this matter. Very upfront about everything and answered all of my questions. Also shoutout to Tanya for handling all the back and forth with me. Great team. Highly recommend them.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Jenny thai
Outstanding Legal Representation from Lawyer Albie Jachimovicz
Lawyer Albie Jacjimovicz at (JLG Jachimovicz) Law Office provided exceptional legal support. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always responsive, keeping me informed every step of the way. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, the case of my son had a favorable outcome. Highly recommend!
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16 Nov, 2024 by Candelaria grajeda- campos
25 Nov, 2024 by Rachel
Super thankful for Josh (and Chris) for bringing this case to an end and helping settle this matter. Very upfront about everything and answered all of my questions. Also shoutout to Tanya for handling all the back and forth with me. Great team. Highly recommend them.
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23 Nov, 2024 by Jenny thai
Outstanding Legal Representation from Lawyer Albie Jachimovicz
Lawyer Albie Jacjimovicz at (JLG Jachimovicz) Law Office provided exceptional legal support. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always responsive, keeping me informed every step of the way. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, the case of my son had a favorable outcome. Highly recommend!
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16 Nov, 2024 by Candelaria grajeda- campos
25 Dec, 2024 by Joy garcia
We are so blessed & grateful to have you as my son’s Attorney. Thank you for your outstanding expertise and support during my son’s court case.
Thank you so much for your help.
May God Bless you and your family!
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06 Dec, 2024 by Martin mccastle
Allie was incredibly helpful—she provided the guidance I needed to move forward with confidence and clarity.
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25 Nov, 2024 by Samantha grundmann
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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.
