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09 Sep, 2024 by Scott swanson
In the fall of 2022, my Personal Representative services were requested to administer the estate settlement for a close friend who had passed away. Without hesitation, I reached out to Kevin Wetherille who partnered me with probate attorney Dan Sagstetter. Dan’s expertise was tested as we worked through the estate's unique challenges. Dan proved to be far more than an exceptionally gifted attorney. Dan became a trusted advisor and mentor to me. As an excellent communicator, Dan explained the “why” behind actions taken, allowing beneficiaries to understand and appreciate them. Dan made the law easy to consume for everyone involved.
A good attorney makes all the difference. I had a great one with Dan Sagstetter. As my business grows, I look forward to future partnerships with Dan, Kevin, Jim, and the JMW team.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Allen soderbeck
We were very satisfied with Jim, his knowledge, experience, and how he handled a very complicated business case for us. He came recommended from another attorney and didn't dissappoint us. We would use Jim again and recommend him to others.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Sarah oliver
I've worked with JMW for over 10 years both personally and professionally. Their staff is very professional, informative, knowledgeable, meticulous, and easy to work with. I feel reassured when they are involved in whatever manner I might need them to be. They are always my recommendation to others when I hear about any situation needing representation. JMW is definitely the firm you want in your corner!
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02 Nov, 2021 by Janine
Lora is an incredible lawyer. She represented me through a very emotional case and did so with grace, educating me and informing me on what was happening every step of the way. She was extremely professional and worked to create an agreement that appeased both parties, ultimately landing on a happy ending. We can't thank Lora enough!
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22 Oct, 2020 by Nick rogers
We recently worked with Mike to build our estate plan. We came into this with very little background knowledge and Mike took the time to explain everything in great detail. By the end we felt very comfortable that we understood the plan and how everything was constructed. We would definitely recommend Mike.
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14 Sep, 2020 by Marietta mcleod
Mike assisted us with a real estate transaction as part of a trust. We were very happy with his service and his professionalism, and were very satisfied with the results. We would gladly use him for future transactions and would recommend him to our family and friends.
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09 Sep, 2024 by Scott swanson
In the fall of 2022, my Personal Representative services were requested to administer the estate settlement for a close friend who had passed away. Without hesitation, I reached out to Kevin Wetherille who partnered me with probate attorney Dan Sagstetter. Dan’s expertise was tested as we worked through the estate's unique challenges. Dan proved to be far more than an exceptionally gifted attorney. Dan became a trusted advisor and mentor to me. As an excellent communicator, Dan explained the “why” behind actions taken, allowing beneficiaries to understand and appreciate them. Dan made the law easy to consume for everyone involved.
A good attorney makes all the difference. I had a great one with Dan Sagstetter. As my business grows, I look forward to future partnerships with Dan, Kevin, Jim, and the JMW team.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Allen soderbeck
We were very satisfied with Jim, his knowledge, experience, and how he handled a very complicated business case for us. He came recommended from another attorney and didn't dissappoint us. We would use Jim again and recommend him to others.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Sarah oliver
I've worked with JMW for over 10 years both personally and professionally. Their staff is very professional, informative, knowledgeable, meticulous, and easy to work with. I feel reassured when they are involved in whatever manner I might need them to be. They are always my recommendation to others when I hear about any situation needing representation. JMW is definitely the firm you want in your corner!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Scott swanson
In the fall of 2022, my Personal Representative services were requested to administer the estate settlement for a close friend who had passed away. Without hesitation, I reached out to Kevin Wetherille who partnered me with probate attorney Dan Sagstetter. Dan’s expertise was tested as we worked through the estate's unique challenges. Dan proved to be far more than an exceptionally gifted attorney. Dan became a trusted advisor and mentor to me. As an excellent communicator, Dan explained the “why” behind actions taken, allowing beneficiaries to understand and appreciate them. Dan made the law easy to consume for everyone involved.
A good attorney makes all the difference. I had a great one with Dan Sagstetter. As my business grows, I look forward to future partnerships with Dan, Kevin, Jim, and the JMW team.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Allen soderbeck
We were very satisfied with Jim, his knowledge, experience, and how he handled a very complicated business case for us. He came recommended from another attorney and didn't dissappoint us. We would use Jim again and recommend him to others.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Sarah oliver
I've worked with JMW for over 10 years both personally and professionally. Their staff is very professional, informative, knowledgeable, meticulous, and easy to work with. I feel reassured when they are involved in whatever manner I might need them to be. They are always my recommendation to others when I hear about any situation needing representation. JMW is definitely the firm you want in your corner!
Read more
09 Sep, 2024 by Scott swanson
In the fall of 2022, my Personal Representative services were requested to administer the estate settlement for a close friend who had passed away. Without hesitation, I reached out to Kevin Wetherille who partnered me with probate attorney Dan Sagstetter. Dan’s expertise was tested as we worked through the estate's unique challenges. Dan proved to be far more than an exceptionally gifted attorney. Dan became a trusted advisor and mentor to me. As an excellent communicator, Dan explained the “why” behind actions taken, allowing beneficiaries to understand and appreciate them. Dan made the law easy to consume for everyone involved.
A good attorney makes all the difference. I had a great one with Dan Sagstetter. As my business grows, I look forward to future partnerships with Dan, Kevin, Jim, and the JMW team.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Allen soderbeck
We were very satisfied with Jim, his knowledge, experience, and how he handled a very complicated business case for us. He came recommended from another attorney and didn't dissappoint us. We would use Jim again and recommend him to others.
Read more
29 Aug, 2024 by Sarah oliver
I've worked with JMW for over 10 years both personally and professionally. Their staff is very professional, informative, knowledgeable, meticulous, and easy to work with. I feel reassured when they are involved in whatever manner I might need them to be. They are always my recommendation to others when I hear about any situation needing representation. JMW is definitely the firm you want in your corner!
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11 Mar, 2011 by Bradley
Great personality and knew what she was doing, she was a great help.
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17 Feb, 2014 by Matt
Jeff handled a family/divorce issue for me. He is knowledgeable, sincere, responsive, and most of all exhibits very high integrity as a professional and as a human being. I would recommend him without hesitation.
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14 Jun, 2013 by Dennis
Jeff made the difficult process of divorce far less intimidating to go through. His knowledge and attention to detail led to a good outcome in my case. Having never needed the services of a lawyer before, I was skeptical at first as to whether I would be treated fairly. My skepticism was soon replaced by trust after the first meeting.
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21 Dec, 2012 by Anonymous
Helped me through a difficult Divorce and other matters. Knows procedure and works with different parts of the process to get a fair and best speed resulution as possable.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Brian fitzgerald
Johanna Clyborne was called as an expert witness by the opposing counsel in my divorce trial. I was pro se (representing myself) and I am not a lawyer. She was supposed to opine on my military pension. She instead offered speculation on my security clearance and nature of separation. She is not an expert witness in either area. Opposing counsel and Johanna tried to pull a fast one. They violated the MN rules of civil procedure by not introducing a her expert witness report prior to trial. After more than an hour of testimony - which I objected to on the grounds of her lack of qualification, speculation, and failure to follow civil procedure - Johanna was dismissed from the stand and all her testimony was stricken from the record. The judge chastised opposing counsel for her lack of competency - which I thought was generous as it seemed very calculated to me rather than legal bumbling. This shameful performance should be cause for Johann's sanction and / or dismissal from the National Guard as she clearly is using her military position as an officer for profit. She is doing this unethically as there is no way she can establish herself as an expert in military pensions (which our judge agreed was true) and apparently pulls this sort of move on veterans as a form of character assassination regularly. @mnnationalguard you paying attention?
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05 Feb, 2024 by Sandy weierke
30 Nov, 2023 by Joyce heiland
28 Mar, 2024 by Brian fitzgerald
Johanna Clyborne was called as an expert witness by the opposing counsel in my divorce trial. I was pro se (representing myself) and I am not a lawyer. She was supposed to opine on my military pension. She instead offered speculation on my security clearance and nature of separation. She is not an expert witness in either area. Opposing counsel and Johanna tried to pull a fast one. They violated the MN rules of civil procedure by not introducing a her expert witness report prior to trial. After more than an hour of testimony - which I objected to on the grounds of her lack of qualification, speculation, and failure to follow civil procedure - Johanna was dismissed from the stand and all her testimony was stricken from the record. The judge chastised opposing counsel for her lack of competency - which I thought was generous as it seemed very calculated to me rather than legal bumbling. This shameful performance should be cause for Johann's sanction and / or dismissal from the National Guard as she clearly is using her military position as an officer for profit. She is doing this unethically as there is no way she can establish herself as an expert in military pensions (which our judge agreed was true) and apparently pulls this sort of move on veterans as a form of character assassination regularly. @mnnationalguard you paying attention?
Read more
05 Feb, 2024 by Sandy weierke
30 Nov, 2023 by Joyce heiland
15 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Conway was moonlighting defending people who were facing civil commitment. I found him to be dishonest and apathetic. While his dishonesty was not material to the outcome of my case, at the time, I was really put off and felt I was railroaded. I suggest getting anything he promises to do in writing or just avoid hiring him.
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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.
