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06 Aug, 2024 by Douglas mendez
Daniela Estrada representing me in my auto accident case. Her team are very skilled in what they do and will get you maximum compensation for your injury’s in an auto accident. If you have an an accident I recommend Estrada Law Firm!
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03 Aug, 2024 by Vidal estévez
01 Aug, 2024 by Julio gamez
Excelente servicio, muy profesional. Se empeña en su trabajo para poder conseguir que te paguen tus lesiones y tiempo perdido.
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08 May, 2024 by Jack standring
Cannot say enough good things about David. He is direct to the point & gets the job done! You are in good hands if he is your representation.
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07 May, 2024 by Barbara anderson
Mr Waranch,I just wanted to say thank you for your services and hard work we greatly appreciate it. You definite go above and beyond for your client.
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03 May, 2024 by Saad masood
David was professional and took care of my issues in a timely and effective manner. He was able to resolve speeding violation with no court cost or fines. Thanks for the help David!
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08 May, 2024 by Jack standring
Cannot say enough good things about David. He is direct to the point & gets the job done! You are in good hands if he is your representation.
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07 May, 2024 by Barbara anderson
Mr Waranch,I just wanted to say thank you for your services and hard work we greatly appreciate it. You definite go above and beyond for your client.
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03 May, 2024 by Saad masood
David was professional and took care of my issues in a timely and effective manner. He was able to resolve speeding violation with no court cost or fines. Thanks for the help David!
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17 Jun, 2024 by Jeffrey grasty
McDonough Law represented me and got me a very beneficial settlement without needing to go to trial.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Jeff
Kate represented me during an initially complex and contentious modification to child support. She was able to obtain a settlement that greatly reduced my child support payment and minimized extra court and legal fees.
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24 Apr, 2024 by D_ amaril
25 Mar, 2021 by Tony
He helped my family with a difficult legal issue, and helped avoid jail time. He was very successful and amazingly fair and kind. He went above and beyond and is a great human!!!
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21 Dec, 2019 by Neal
I had a legal problem (I'd rather not go into the details) but David was amazing. From the moment I hired him, he talked me down off the ledge and gave me confidence that I would have a favorable outcome. The situation is now resolved and David was true to his word. He handled everything and we got the outcome he predicted. I can't imagine hiring anyone else.
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24 Nov, 2019 by Frank
Mr David is one of the best lawyer I met in this state. I received a DUI and it helps me to defend myself and come out free. For anyone who will need a lawyer I recommend Mr David Moyse and his team.
You'll be alright.
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15 Aug, 2018 by Sally
Ms Vann represented me in my very difficult, contentious divorce from start to finish. She most recently helped me through the many difficult, detailed decisions in the property portion of my case. She is very knowledgeable, professional, responsive and easy to work with and approaches all legal matters in a clear, straightforward, no nonsense way. She will fight to make sure that her clients are protected in all areas of family law. She listened carefully to what was most important to me and helped me reach the best possible outcomes for me and my children. She always took the time to ensure that I understood everything that was being presented and addressed all of my questions and concerns. I felt that she was consistently looking out for my best interests and that she genuinely cared about me. She's the kind of lawyer and person who I miss talking to now that my divorce is final. I am very satisfied with the service that Ms. Vann provided to me and I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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12 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
Ms. Vann represented me during my very contentious custody hearing. She was dedicated, professional and transparent and provided solid, trustworthy legal advice. She continually kept me up to date on every aspect of my case and worked very hard to provide the very best outcome possible for me and my children. She was very responsive - even when I called or emailed late in the day or on the weekend. She made me feel as if I were her only priority and I would highly recommend her to anyone. She will be representing me going forward in the property portion of my divorce and I feel confident that I am in good hands.
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18 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Amanda after having a terrible experience with another attorney. Due to my previous experience, I vetted her carefully and had an initial face-to-face consultation where I was able to evaluate her. I was pleasantly surprised by how clearly she assessed my case. Once I hired her, she acted quickly and purposefully to work on my behalf while keeping me apprised of updates to my case. While hiring an attorney is never inexpensive, I felt that she saved me money by tactfully negotiating with the other party's attorney and getting them to back off. I highly recommend Amanda.
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18 Mar, 2018 by Martin
Stephanie Cooper helped me with my family law case. What a pleasant experience. She made everything as stress free for me as she could. Stephanie is always on top of her clientele and treats each person as if they where her only client. She is very personable and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend her.
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06 Dec, 2016 by Alice
Stephanie helped me through my divorce. She has expertise, is very professional and gets you what you need. She is not afraid to point unreasonable demands from the other party and will explain every detail so you understand what the steps towards finalizing divorce are. Let's face it, getting a divorce is not a fun event but she really gets it and was a wonderful help for me. Thanks again!!
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03 Dec, 2016 by Lourdes
I worked with Ms. Cooper for two years on a child custody and divorce agreement. My experience with her was excellent - she was responsive, helpful, comforting and successful. Ms. Cooper was a great listener, helped me understand where we were in the process and kept me involved throughout the proceedings. She was always prepared for court, appeared to be highly respected by the court and the other attorneys. I would highly recommend Ms. Cooper for her legal acumen.
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12 Nov, 2019 by Clayton
McKenzie is a great lawyer! I hired her for my divorce, and she exceeded my expectations. I would recommend her to anyone in need of legal services.
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05 Jul, 2018 by Claudia
Mackenzie is the best!! I'd recommend her to anyone and everyone that may need help with a custody case (and anything related) She's always willing to help, talk, and just listen. I couldn't have found a better person to help my family out!! If you're looking for someone that will have your back and cares, reach out to her!! You will NOT regret it!
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03 Jul, 2018 by Cheryl, ceo get hired coach, inc.
I hired Mackenzie Sherman to create an Affiliate agreement to do business with another business. I was not sure what protection and language I needed to protect my business for this type of business arrangement. Mackenzie was phenomenal in walking me thru the process and providing her expertise in a way that addressed my concerns and set up an air tight contract. Her expertise and professionalism was just what I needed. She supported me in navigating the legal jargon in a way that is understandable. She is also very accessible, responsive and very easy to work with!
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10 Aug, 2017 by Fay
There were continuing issues with my divorce that continued for 10 years. My original lawyer was no longer working on these issues. I consulted 2 other lawyers to help solve the outstanding issues. I hired one of them. A resolution required me to go back to court and I wanted a lawyer to help me with this. Both attorneys contacted recommended an adversarial approach. After 10 years, I just wanted to end it.
Ms. Karkowsky understood my feelings and was supportive of my plans. She advised me on the necessary procedures and helped with the paperwork. She accompanied me into court. She was always available for questions and moral support. She helped clarify any outstanding issues. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal advice.
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10 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
She was concise, pleasant and efficient in getting everything done that had to be done.
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31 Jul, 2017 by Debbie
Nancy helped to guy my husband and me through a very stressful time with a business associate. We were able to use her advice and come to an agreement that all parties could support.
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05 Dec, 2020 by Tiffany
If you are in search of an exceptional attorney who provides top-notch, exclusive legal counsel, then fate has led you to this review of Harry A. Suissa.
When concluding that I needed an attorney, I knew that it would have to be someone very skilled and capable, and preferably seasoned. I've always heard that word of mouth yields better outcomes, so I figured that I'd ask around. The praises sang of Mr. Suissa were great enough to convince me to call him, and that was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
With a divorce case as complex as mine, Mr. Suissa handled the delicate matters with finesse and the difficult issues with careful intensity. In courtroom presentation, Mr. Suissa is a charming powerhouse that is sure to deliver very well, as he exudes confidence, displays decorum, defends with subtle passion, and speaks with eloquence.
In my opinion, an immensely important quality is a person's responsiveness. While under duress, having someone make you feel that their focus is on you and helping to solve your problems averts anxiety. Through persistent communication, Mr. Suissa secured my hope, despite any trepidations.
The best part of it all, was that Mr. Suissa achieved results that far exceeded my expectations!
At the close of my litigation, surprisingly, I had bittersweet feelings. I was thrilled that my dealings with the case were over, but Mr. Suissa and his firm invested so much time, energy, attention and regard to my case, that saying farewell was with the intended meaning of, until next time. Of course, no one welcomes unnecessary legal issues, but if there ever arises another need for an attorney, Mr. Suissa has the job!
Harry A. Suissa is an A1 attorney, and when you retain his legal services, you'll be in good hands and great care.
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18 Feb, 2014 by Sarah
Harry is the most wonderful lawyer in the world! I discovered my husband was having an affair with another man. My world and 20 year marriage were destroyed. I raised the children and was unemployed. My husband threatened to give me nothing and even lock me out of my own home. A dear and caring friend told me about Harry.
He did everything and was strong and commanding. Thanks to Mr. Suissa I have my life and sanity back. I also have financial security. I strongly recommend my lawyer to anyone facing a legal crisis. He will captain your ship through the storm.
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29 May, 2013 by George
My ex is bipolar, unemployed, and unemployable. We were married more than 30 years and we have 3 wonderful children. I was willing to agree to a fair settlement but she wanted, at least through her lawyer, the house & most of our investments. Her lawyer was very aggressive. Harry was amazing. He was always polite and professional. He knew how to handle the other attorney. He kept my fee low and still got me everything I wanted. I survived my divorce, kept my assets, and have a great relationship with my kids! Because of Harry's gentle touch, my ex and I are civil with each other! A Perfect end!
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26 May, 2015 by Milton
Aileen Oliver represented me during my contested Maryland divorce and custody case; and later in a child support-related matter. I found Ms. Oliver to be trustworthy, very capable and well-versed in Maryland divorce law. She was personable and great to work with. She was also appropriately aggressive in Court and clearly had my best interests at heart. Ms. Oliver and her staff also go out of their way to help manage expectations and prepare her clients for the emotional element of divorce. She connects former clients with existing clients via a support network that meets regularly. Divorce can be very traumatic. It helps to have someone who is capable and who has your best interests at heart. It's also valuable to have someone with experience who knows the terrain. I recommend Ms. Oliver highly to assist you in your case.
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13 Nov, 2014 by William
Ms. Oliver handled both my divorce and custody case. I couldn't have chosen a better person to help me navigate through a very difficult time in my life. Her expertise in Family Law was very instrumental in the favorable decision I received in court. I would not hesitate to recommend Ms. Oliver and her staff, or to use them in the future.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Katherine
This firm is creative, responsive, empathetic, tough on opposition, thorough, detailed, super clever, and compassionate. They fight hard for their clients. Highly recommend for anyone with an employment law/discrimination issue! Omar and Suvita, the senior partners, stuck with me during the entire process. They communicated regularly which meant a great deal — I have seen lawyers that go long stretches where the client hears nothing. Even though Omar and Suvita had much bigger cases to tackle. Nevertheless, they made me feel like I was their most important priority. Omar and Suvita gave me their full commitment throughout the process. I never had a moment of disappointment or frustration with them as my lawyers . Omar and Suvita are both trustworthy and honorable. We entered a reasonable settlement; I did not want to head into discovery. Last thought: even the firm’s paralegals are impressively skilled and kind! Thank you so much Melehy & Associates.
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25 Jun, 2015 by Mariana
I was looking for information on how to change my name, but not because of marriage. She set my expectations of how long the process would take and sent me the information I would need in order to accomplish my task. I was 30 minutes late for our call and she was nice enough to take my call with no resentment. She was bubbly and informative.
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02 May, 2012 by Crystal
Quickly brought a favorable resolution to my case, and through the process kept me informed. He provided me with several variations during our initial meeting and we had a successful outcome. Would highly recommend!
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07 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
If there was a rating scale of 1 to 10, I would rate Mr. Reckson as 10. We needed an attorney licensed for the state of Maryland. My sister and I both live out of state. In fact, different states. My sister found him via the Internet.
Because of the excellent service we received, I felt a need to write this review. I know there are people like us that rely on reviews to help obtain services needed. For this reason, I felt a need to write a review that would help someone else in determining where to obtain good legal assistance. In working with us, Mr. Reckson made himself available to answer questions and kept us abreast of events affecting our case. Mr. Reckson is a man of integrity. He cares about his work and about the people for whom he represents. Being out of state, my sister and I could not stay on top of things, but Mr. Reckson did. He kept us informed of our options and things we should considered. I am impressed by his professionalism. But more than that, I am impressed by his caring spirit. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Reckson to anyone. He is definitely a number 10 (rating)!!
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24 Oct, 2021 by Beluy
As my Lawyer He was ready to help me and he was always ready to answer any questions I have. I will recomend him to my friends and family.
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02 Dec, 2016 by Jerry
Stephanie was very diligent in guiding & counseling me throughout my divorce proceedings. I feel as though she genuinely cares for me, and did the best to ease my frustrations. I would refer her to anyone going through a nasty and bitter divorce, if we had more lawyers like her, the world would be a better place.
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17 Jun, 2024 by Jeffrey grasty
McDonough Law represented me and got me a very beneficial settlement without needing to go to trial.
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24 Apr, 2024 by D_ amaril
24 Apr, 2024 by George metry
The talented attorneys at the McDonough Law firm helped my parishioner with a strong case. The attorney and the staff were well equipped to handle the case and they led us a successful outcome. They handled all the communication, discussions with absolute grace and style. They are also Spanish speaking which added a tremendous comfort for my parishioner.
Look no further!
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08 Jun, 2024 by Yaa boakye
I can't express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional experience I've had with MC Thomas & Associates. After a terrible experience with another law firm, working with MC Thomas felt like a breath of fresh air. The disparity between their representation and that of previous law firm was truly remarkable – it was like comparing day to night in terms of responsiveness, quality of service, and billing practices.
Ms. Thomas herself exemplifies professionalism and dedication. Her responsiveness and meticulous preparation for every interaction, whether in meetings or in court, were truly impressive. It was evident that she approached each situation with her 'A' game, consistently delivering top-notch representation. Her expertise in family law, combined with her patience, relatability, and empathy towards her clients' circumstances, set her apart.
What truly distinguishes MC Thomas & Associates from other firms is their innovative approach to client service. Their digital platform for the client portal streamlines communication, enables real-time document editing, and provides transparent tracking of billable hours. This level of transparency is invaluable, especially in an industry where disputing billing hours is often challenging.
Without hesitation, I would highly recommend MC Thomas and Associates to anyone seeking an honest, empathetic, and diligent lawyer to represent their case. They have undoubtedly set a new standard for legal representation in my eyes.
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05 Mar, 2024 by April wilson
Excellent service and dedication!!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Life with london g
10 Dec, 2023 by Atey basso
We are lucky to have you in our life. Thank you for being so helpful . I feel so grateful to have such outstanding legal service from your office .Thanks so Esayas
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12 Feb, 2023 by Arity
Esayas is a remarkable attorney. I have had the honor to experience his work ethic and observe a true master of the law. The tenacity and legal knowledge displayed by him throughout his representation is both highly skillful and competent and even more exceptional within the courtroom. Esayas is always honest with his clients about every aspect of the case and believes in working hard to obtain positive results. Thanks for your help.
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02 Jan, 2023 by Amanuel sofany
16 Jan, 2024 by Elena milius (lena)
Very informative
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.8
453 Reviews
09 May, 2024 by Nicholas hill
03 May, 2024 by Rob maher
They expertly broke down all my options in a way I could easily understand. Extremely professional team of great people and lawyers.
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02 May, 2024 by Scott r
Excellent service and room care of my daughters legal needs
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5.0
1 Reviews
4.9
309 Reviews
22 Oct, 2024 by Dy s
Highly recommend! They provided excellent support and made the whole process so much easier. Thank you for all your assistance!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Bersain roblero
Todo muy bien, estoy agradecido por el apoyo a mi caso
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07 Oct, 2024 by Jihyun shin
I was involved in a car accident in June 2024. The lawyer, office director, and all other staff took care of my case with all sincerity. It was a place where English, Korean, and Spanish were perfect. In conclusion, I reached a very satisfactory agreement and result. The physical and mental shock and wounds were wrapped up very well. The settlement was of course amazing. 100 out of 100, 5 out of 5, actually more than that! I am truly grateful. Thank you very much! Super recommended!
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22 Oct, 2024 by Dy s
Highly recommend! They provided excellent support and made the whole process so much easier. Thank you for all your assistance!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Bersain roblero
Todo muy bien, estoy agradecido por el apoyo a mi caso
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07 Oct, 2024 by Jihyun shin
I was involved in a car accident in June 2024. The lawyer, office director, and all other staff took care of my case with all sincerity. It was a place where English, Korean, and Spanish were perfect. In conclusion, I reached a very satisfactory agreement and result. The physical and mental shock and wounds were wrapped up very well. The settlement was of course amazing. 100 out of 100, 5 out of 5, actually more than that! I am truly grateful. Thank you very much! Super recommended!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Alejandra blogs
Estoy muy contenta y alegre con los resultados el abogado super amable y muy atento a todo recomendado al 100
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16 Sep, 2024 by Brenda mendoza
Es un buen abogado me ayudó mucho en mi caso de un accidente de mi carro y lo bueno Sabe hablar español lo recomiendo
EMMANUEL
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13 Sep, 2024 by Cruzroadservice cruz
This is a great people to help
Ireland really recommend it
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06 Mar, 2024 by Placido carlos
Muy bien
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31 Jan, 2024 by Cliandra pusey
Very informative, helpful and friendly!
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14 Dec, 2023 by Brent nelson
Absolutely outstanding- followed my case as it dragged through the courts for 2 years, then got it dismissed with very minor input from me. Communication was truly phenomenal- answered texts right away, even after hours. Cannot recommend enough.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Steven foreman
Rob is a magician. Plain and simple. One of the best criminal lawyers in the area. Highly recommend!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Dianne sibryan
Robert fue muy profesional y eficiente con mi caso. Me represento muy bien y me explicó cada paso del proceso.
No dudes en confiar tu caso con el, el realmente me ayudó de un caso complicado.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Alan stein jr.
Harry and his entire team were a true pleasure to work with... they were professional, attentive, and always went the extra mile for me!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Steven foreman
Rob is a magician. Plain and simple. One of the best criminal lawyers in the area. Highly recommend!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Dianne sibryan
Robert fue muy profesional y eficiente con mi caso. Me represento muy bien y me explicó cada paso del proceso.
No dudes en confiar tu caso con el, el realmente me ayudó de un caso complicado.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Alan stein jr.
Harry and his entire team were a true pleasure to work with... they were professional, attentive, and always went the extra mile for me!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Steven foreman
Rob is a magician. Plain and simple. One of the best criminal lawyers in the area. Highly recommend!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Dianne sibryan
Robert fue muy profesional y eficiente con mi caso. Me represento muy bien y me explicó cada paso del proceso.
No dudes en confiar tu caso con el, el realmente me ayudó de un caso complicado.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Alan stein jr.
Harry and his entire team were a true pleasure to work with... they were professional, attentive, and always went the extra mile for me!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Steven foreman
Rob is a magician. Plain and simple. One of the best criminal lawyers in the area. Highly recommend!
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27 Sep, 2024 by Dianne sibryan
Robert fue muy profesional y eficiente con mi caso. Me represento muy bien y me explicó cada paso del proceso.
No dudes en confiar tu caso con el, el realmente me ayudó de un caso complicado.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Alan stein jr.
Harry and his entire team were a true pleasure to work with... they were professional, attentive, and always went the extra mile for me!
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09 May, 2024 by Abenezer daniel
It was great working with Mr. Zewedu. He is very knowledgeable about the law and does his work accordingly!
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09 May, 2024 by Adanech arega
We really appreciated Mr. Zewdu; he is professional and knowledgeable. He represented my relative Sara and helped her to win Asylum Grant.
Mr. Zewdu, your respect and hard works are really appreciated. You truly worked for your customer success. Thank you!
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07 May, 2024 by Shiek umar sesay
Such an awesome staff’s working with this incredible lawyer.
They are great in responding to their clients.
Trust me you won’t regret working with this firm.
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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.
