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09 Nov, 2022 by Theonewhopayontime
Rip-off is their culture
She is after the fees not after the facts and the true .
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26 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
I am ms. Soleimanis former client. When I saw this review and the one on yelp, I called her. She was not surprised as she knows who this person is sam, who left a review here and on yelp. He is a former co worker, unable to pass the bar exam, and fired by her for theft and embezzlement. He keeps on posting these untrue and unprofessional statements. I was ms. SOLEIMANIs client and if it was not for her my case would still be going. She is informed, caring, knowledgeable, and doesn't drag on the case. I have referred her many other cases. All my friends have been happy with too. Mr. Sam, whose name is not even real. You should blame yourself for all the troubles you are in.
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05 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
MS. SOLEIMANI IS THE MOST CARING LAWYER EVER. SHE IS KNOWLEDGEABLE, CARING, INFORMED AND SHARP. VERY HER IN HER BILLING AS WELL. SHE NOT ONLY FOUGHT MY BATTLE FOR ME, BUT SHE CREATED AN AMICABLE SITUATION BETWEEN MY HUSBAND AND I. SHE ENCOURAGED US TO BE CIVILIZED AND COMMUNICATE. I TRULY APPRECIATE HER AND STRONGLY RECOMMEND HER.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
Hello Jeffrey! I believe you owe me an apology! Here is a hint Guess who has been living alone and paying rent and bills and being responsible for herself? You told me that you were responsible for me! I do not see you hahaha! Ps you lied , a judge has to approve taking all my rights away! Not gonna happen! Going on 24 years now !
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10 Oct, 2015 by Carlos
Mr. Jeffrey Condon is a remarkable person and a great lawyer. His almost 30 years experience in the Inheritance Planning field makes him not only an expert but a unique insider of the family dynamics involved in the inheritance process. Mr. Condon generously helped us during our first consultation, even after our chat indicated that there was no case for him. We also read his book "Beyond the Grave". He did sign it for us!
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24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
She will take your money as long as you allow her to and then say you owe more. Beware.
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24 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
During Dorothy and I's Phone conversations, I constantly heard other people in the same room. I asked her to step outside to continue our conversation because it was personal and she didn't. This has happened several different times. Therefore, I do not trust Dorothy with my personal information.
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30 Dec, 2015 by Steven
I hired Dottie to handle a very challenging lawsuit and she was the consummate professional, always available, and had my best interests at heart. We prevailed and I am eternally grateful for her dedication, ingenuity, and loyalty.
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07 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Upon meeting Ms. Albaum you will hire her on the fact that she is an experienced attorney from a very reputable firm. Within two years of your never ending legal battle you realize that she loves to litigate, particularly in matters that can be easily settled with a phone call to the other party. After over $100,000 in legal fees and getting NO WHERE... I realized it's better to take matters in my own hands...relieved her of her duties and represented myself in court.
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29 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous
With hindsight being 20/20, I wish I would have researched Ms. Albaum as well as the reputation of her firm and their policies before retaining her as my divorce attorney. Unfortunately, I wrongly assumed they were effective and credible based on the high-profile clientele they represent. Once I dismissed Ms. Albaum in favor of new representation, I learned from several sources (including my new attorney) that both the firm and Ms. Albaum have earned a reputation for drawing a case out beyond what is necessary to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. Of course, this adds up to an increase in both fees and the emotional burden associated with the process of divorce. The advice I was given demonstrated the firm had zero interest in settling matters out of court, which is typically the less costly and time consuming route . Although Ms. Albaum is very aggressive, she provided what I would describe as counter-productive advice, which caused more drama for both me and my children in what was an already stressful situation. In hindsight, she seemed to leverage my emotional state, convincing me to make decisions that didn’t feel right.
Furthermore, I felt nickel and dimed. Ms. Albaum used associates at ridiculous hourly fees to accompany her to court when their presence added no value and was not necessary. I was billed for erroneous, unsolicited communications (emails/faxes) and on three occasions she recommended filings that were declined by the judge.
After several months, $80,000 in legal fees and no progress, I left the firm and hired another attorney. This was the best decision I could have made. My new attorney was appalled when he reviewed my case and the advice I was given. He offered facts, told me what I should and shouldn't expect financially through alimony and child support, and told me which actions would be a waste of money – even when it wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to hear. My divorce was settled in less than a few months in mediation. Shame on this firm and Ms. Albaum. It’s my opinion both thrive on and profit from people's pain, vulnerability and sorrow.
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18 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Yacoubian was hired to represent me in a divorce. I found him in the Department Newsletter advertisement. Upon meeting him, he misleads me by saying how he knows how to help Officers since he's a retired Lieutenant. However, I believe he helped himself by increasingly adding charges that were not verifiable and excessive. Whenever I asked him a question he would always "get back" to me but really doesn't answer the question. He failed to get me custody time as I hired him for. Also, I was forced to fire him after not getting much done except making the situation worse. My new attorney even complained to me about Mr. Yacoubian calling him several times when he was no longer part of my case wasting his time.
I had a horrible experience with Mr. Yacoubian and filed a complaint with the California State Bar.
Be careful and question all of his charges.
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13 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
Our experience working with Mr. Yacoubian was a nightmare. We hired him to represent us in a civil case and we were forced to fire him after only 4 weeks. Mr. Yacoubian was very difficult to work with due to his poor interpersonal skills.
Specially, we found him to be confrontational, argumentative and listening to us was not something he was capable of doing. Other attorneys on our case also expressed their concerns with his legal knowledge and their difficulty in interacting with him. This resulted in one attorney refusing to have any further direct contact with him.
We believe Mr. Yacoubian’s billing practices are unethical and excessive. We were issued a final statement and refund from Mr. Yacoubian. Only to later receive an additional statement covering the same time period where the times and charges were entirely different from his original statement. Mr. Yacoubian also had confidential conversations with our new attorney after he was removed from our case by the judge, and against our stated wishes. His behavior led to us filing a complaint with the California State Bar.
We do not recommend Mr. Yacoubian.
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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.
