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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
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28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
Read more
28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
Read more
18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
Read more
28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
Read more
18 Jun, 2023 by Kathleen kuhlman
05 Apr, 2023 by Damiso arrington
Professional, thorough, efficient and very knowledgeable. The Attorneys and staff are top notch resources.
Read more
28 Aug, 2022 by Tina williams (twilliams)
Allen has been my attorney of choice for at least 10 years now. He always has time for me. He always has the best approach, he takes care of you. I don’t have to even worry about anything m. Anytime I get some mail with something legal… most of the time I don’t even read it. I say, “this is something for Allen.” He takes the worry out of being a small business owner.
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21 Aug, 2021 by Chad garrison
04 Jul, 2021 by Joe frisella
13 Jan, 2021 by Linda
I hired Sara Elizabeth Allen in 2016 due to a Retirement Pension dispute between me and my pension plan. I retired from the UAW on 1-1-2016 and did everything I was supposed to do and in a timely manner. I followed all of the pension plan rules, age, years of service, etc.
In May 2016, they notified me that I, in fact, had not retired and notified me that I was obligated to pay back the last 5 months of the pension entitlement that I had received. I was terrified they were going to take my pension away from me. Thankfully, Sara Elizabeth Allen, took my case and with professional expertise and in a expeditiously manner, resolved this matter for me. The results were; I did not have to pay back the first 5 months of my pension entitlements, my pension plan had to pay me all monies I lost due to the litigation timeline and my original retirement date of 1-1-2016 was once again reinstated. I could not have been happier or more satisfied with Sara Elizabeth Allen. I highly recommend her, she is very professional, incredibly smart, extremely personable and she will handle YOUR case as if it was hers!!
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20 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
I hired Mrs. Richie as my attorney for a custody matter. (Parenting time) She promised me that she would try everything in her power to get my children back home. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and I only received phone time. She was very knowledgeable, but didn’t seem to use her knowledge as much as she should have during the time of her being my attorney. I was left to do all the foot work, and hardly any of my completed documentation was submitted to the courts that I worked so hard to get during this time. Lastly she withdrew from my case at the time I needed her most, and said the reasoning was because I wasn’t following her legal advice. When in all actuality, I went above and beyond on everything the judge ordered. She also was very soft spoken.
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22 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I have had the opportunity to consult and work with this attorney and she is nothing short of amazing. She does her job very well and has a good track record. She is personable, realistic, and knows the law. I would recommend this attorney to anyone looking for a family law attorney.
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12 Apr, 2017 by Crystal
I hire Shantelle for a child custody case. She was very easy to work with. She only had less than a week to prepare for my court date, but she delivered. I received everything I asked for. I definitely would recommend this lawyer.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Kathy woisky
They are great
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08 Jul, 2024 by Deborah “queen tiye” lugo
GREAT
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08 Jul, 2024 by John miles
Avi Adler is a good lawyer. I would definitely recommend his service to anyone. I did my part of the work and he did everything else.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Kathy woisky
They are great
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27 Jun, 2024 by Veronica brown
I initially dealt with atty. Muhammad Z. Back in 2008. I recently ran into unresolved issues regarding my case. I called recently and Atty. Perry B. Assisted me without hesitation! I was pleasantly surprised given it's been 16 years. I highly recommend her! Great customer service!
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26 Jun, 2024 by Smitty5plus1
My wife and I found Mohammed Zahir from an internet search…the best call we’ve ever made..!! He and Perry were absolutely amazing. They handled our extremely quickly , taking away all our worry and stress. They were in constant contact the whole time and promptly answered all of our phone calls. We are very grateful and highly recommend both Mohammed, Perry and the entire staff!
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08 Dec, 2017 by Floyd
Attorney trout was very professional and was able to reach an agreement with my child's mom and her attorney(the plaintiff )we have been in and out of court trying to reach an agreement for over 4 years now other attorneys have tried to reach this point but attorney trout was able to bring the victory home!!
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03 Nov, 2017 by Gail
I went to attorney Trout with an emergency situation. My check was about to be garnished. She got right on it, and got the garnishment stopped temporary. When we when back to court she got the whole matter set aside due to the fraud of the opposing person. She listened was warm and friendly.
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21 Apr, 2016 by Trevor
Attorney Bernadine Trout is very knowledgeable of child custody cases. She is very attentive, easy to talk to; she listens and cares about her clients. She worked with me to help orchestrate a more feasible parenting schedule. I was having difficulties trying to work out my parenting time and/or holiday time by myself. She welcomes me in her office to discuss any concerns I have regarding my children. During our conference times she expresses interest and concern. She then states the best possible solution for my situation. For example, I recently met with her regarding my case and she instructed me that she would try to submit a letter of concern to the other party to try to reframe from going back to court. I am also able to meet with her to get a better understanding of my rights as a co-parenting father.
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27 Jul, 2024 by Kathy woisky
They are great
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08 Jul, 2024 by Deborah “queen tiye” lugo
GREAT
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08 Jul, 2024 by John miles
Avi Adler is a good lawyer. I would definitely recommend his service to anyone. I did my part of the work and he did everything else.
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18 Feb, 2024 by Lakeshia stevenson
I could not tell you how they operate because I never received a call back from 2 weeks ago. Hopefully the next person will have better luck with talking to a attorney than I did this time.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Annette lee
Attorney Clarke she was very professional, I can't find all of the words to express the level of kindness, caring and the spirit of true concern that was shown to me. How well she handled my case. Me ,I thank God that he sent her into my life, she feels like family. I can't say Thank you enough job well done
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18 May, 2023 by Barbara barber
I highly recommend Clarke Law. Ms. Lisa Clarke is a gem! : ) She took on my divorce case and gave me my confidence back! She is fair and always had my best interest at heart! Ms. Clarke was consistent from day one, all the way to the end. It was the best phone call I ever made and I honestly believe God led me to her name. I was scared and she always assured me that I would be okay. Even though she was very professional, I felt more like family than a client. I could talk to her about anything and was never judged. When I was feeling doubtful or unsure of myself, she was always there to talk me off the ledge! I was always in good hands and will forever be grateful to her!
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12 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
Tracey handled my case quickly, efficiently and competently. Throughout the procedure I had full confidence that she was handling details correctly and I'm glad she was the attorney on my case.
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23 Oct, 2017 by Pat
I met Tracey and Jon, both extremely professional. I explained to them that my ex-wife and I had reached a different custody agreement than the original almost 10 years ago. Tracey wrote it all up, filed the motions, and now I have the majority custody of my son. Don't waste your money or her time with unnecessary emails or phone calls, if you hire Tracey have faith she is fighting for you and things are getting done.
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25 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Tracey worked my case from day one. I started with no rights to my son and ended up with ~50/50 which is all I ever asked for. She promptly showed up to every court date (which seems to be a problem with some lawyers). She didn't back down from ridiculous demands from the opposition, she kept expectations realistic, shut down lies and false accusations, compromised when it was in my best interest. When my sons mother wouldn't allow me to see him, she got an interim hearing for custody until the case was done. I did NOT have to contact her daily/weekly or monthly bc she was actively working the case. She replied to my emails in a timely manner and contacted me directly with new updates. She never wasted my time just to get more billable hours.
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16 Apr, 2022 by Marcel
Buyer beware!
Upon introduction I found Ms. Franulic and her staff to be quite professional and attentive. After paying her retainer and initiating my case their services immediately took a turn for the worst. Ms. Franulic and her staff quite often did not answer the phone during business hours, did not return voice messages, nor emails. After several calls and emails, I would get an annoyed response 1-2 weeks later from one of her staff members only to schedule a phone call with Ms. Franulic. At the scheduled appointment time there was no call from Ms. Franulic or her staff, and of course when I called the office there was no answer, again all during business hours. I also discovered that Ms. Franulic’s lack of professionalism extended to the opposing attorney. Often, documents arrived beyond the requested time, if they arrived at all, and Ms. Franulic and or her staff were lackluster in responding to emails and calls from the opposing attorney. I made several unresponsive attempts to remediate my concerns with Ms. Franulic. I am not writing this to speak to Ms. Franulic’s knowledge and or legal skill, this is specifically about her lack of professionalism and communication which is equally important when paying for services. I would not recommend her to anyone.
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16 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Retained this attorney after being referred by a family friend who’s also an attorney. She seemed sincere and knowledgeable initially but things fell apart fairly quickly. Communication was pretty non-existent. She didn’t respond to the courts on time for any motion. She was late to court and even no-showed twice. The day of a friend of the court hearing she was 3 hours late because she went to her own doctors appointment due to her being pregnant and I had no clue. She did not perform any discovery on my ex-husband which led me to getting absolutely nothing out of my divorce. She never answered her phone or returned calls. Then after months of terrible service she tried to quit right before my divorce was final and told me I owed her money but she never even sent me a bill, invoice, nothing. I refused to sign off on her quitting. I never saw or her from her again. Her assistant met me and had me sign my divorce decree documents in Walmart parking lot. I never received my divorce documents to this day 4 years later.
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31 Mar, 2021 by Derrick
I would recommend K.F Legal, If you are dealing with any kind of felonies they should be your first call. They make the impossible, possible. They are probably the best felony lawyers in town and they went above and beyond for the cost. Make them your first call.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Anytime a black woman would go above and beyond to alienate a child from their father is disgusting. You are a professional, there are several ways you can do your job without lying and preventing children from seeing their father because the mom wants the father.
Do better. All money isn't good money and have some morals for yourself and the African American community. Some fathers are great fathers, and some are not. You are contributing to the problem. It's never about the money, money comes and goes but lying to separate a black child from their parent is a dam shame.
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10 Feb, 2018 by Nate
LaVonne not only is a phenomenal Lawyer, but in my most vulnerable time she was there for me like i was her only client and treated me like a friend. LaVonne is very thorough and pays very close attention to detail.
in the court room she is very strategic and precise like a General going into battle. LaVonne won for me and held my hand through the entire ordeal! she has a client in me for life! Great Lawyer and even better Human Being.
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23 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous
I was referred to Ms. Jackson by a friend of the family. I was getting divorced and I was terrified. From our first encounter, Ms. Jackson was very knowledgeable and let me know what to expect every step of the way. The end result was highly favorable and I would recommend her to anyone going through this type of situation.
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21 Aug, 2021 by Chad garrison
04 Jul, 2021 by Joe frisella
17 Feb, 2020 by Almond lee
21 Aug, 2021 by Chad garrison
04 Jul, 2021 by Joe frisella
17 Feb, 2020 by Almond lee
29 Jul, 2023 by David kreucher
Bernadene Trout is one of the best Lawyers in town!
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18 Jul, 2023 by Tonya watson
I hired Bernadine Trout in 2019 regarding an auto accident. She said she prayed and decided to take my case. But she didn't tell me or explain to me that it would-be a single party case. This apparently meant that she would not deal at all with my Progressive Auto Insurance. In 2020 I was notified that my case was closed because the other party did not hear from my attorney. I contacted Ms. Trout and she said she would contact them. I was no longer able to continue physical or mental therapy. I also contacted Progressive Auto and they told me that since I had obtained an attorney they would have to speak with my attorney. I called Ms. Trout and informed her what my insurance told me and she said that she would call them. Ms Trout never contacted my insurance resulting in in loosing thousands of dollars that could of been used for my therapy and personal care. The deadline to file my law suit in court was in August 2021.
Ms. Trout filed my lawsuit approximately June 2021 . She had me calling her repeatedly and worrying.
I was in distress. She lied to me and cause me more emotional trauma. I terminated Ms. Trout. I do not recommend for anyone.
She deserves negative stars
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14 Aug, 2022 by Misty e. cooper
15 Dec, 2018 by Jim
She represented me and promised she would get a specific outcome. I recorded the initial meeting. She told me I could trust her based on her experience and if I hired her she knew what to do. She billed and didn’t scoumplish one goal she said she would. You should know if you hire her, ask her to put her opinion of the outcome she expects in writing.
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21 Mar, 2015 by Elijahtsansom
handled a very delicate matter involving the death of my mother and sibling warfare with concern and high professional standards.
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25 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I recently retained Veronica to submit a "domestic relations order (DRO)" for me from start to finish. I really liked that she charged me a flat fee to do the job! She was very efficient, knowledgeable, accessible, trustworthy, responsive and kept me well informed throughout the process. She even did a couple of things for me unrelated to the task she was hired for, out of courtesy and free of charge! I would certainly recommend Veronica Leonard to anyone looking for a great attorney in evey way.
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28 Jun, 2021 by K. gray
I could have done better on my own. He had no knowledge of the law. I had to tell him to add both of my daughters to the child support formula and he had to double check that I was right and I was. My ex-wife did not have to do anything she was supposed to do because of the way he wrote the divorce decree. I’m still suffering 5 years after the divorce from the things he didn’t do. I lost everything and he didn’t tell me about court dates which made me lose parenting time as well. Decent person, horrible attorney!!
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20 Feb, 2013 by Darryl
This attorney is honest honorable and a great ally, if you are in need of a family law attorney please do yourself a favor and contact Mr.cohen I hope my grandson grows up to be a similar man I will consider myself to have been sucsessful, in closing again if you need a lawyer to trust with your life in their hands this IS the guy.
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20 Feb, 2013 by Richard
My association with Andrew lasted almost 4 years. The legal task was to close out my parent‘s estate but due to sibling issues it turned into a night mirror. Andrew was steadfast and diligently worked though issue by issue. His legal direction and assessment were accurate and at all times my best interests were his priority. I highly recommend Andrew. His professional demeanor and friendship were greatly appreciated.
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20 Jul, 2022 by Michael
She failed to investigate anything in my case, did not object to a statutory enhancement that does not apply, did not keep me updated so I could make informed decisions and judge j. Ronnie Greer said she was ineffective. United States v Freeman, case no. 2:14-cr-73 Ed tn
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16 Mar, 2019 by Daniel
The disciplinary actions against her can never discredit all the work she has done for the clients she fought for. I can care less about the reason(s) she was reprimanded & it does not matter, god bless you Allison Folmar & everything you stand for.
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27 Jun, 2013 by Sandra
Professional, Prepared, Poised, and she knows the law. Ms. Folmar made sure the laws of Michigan & the best interest of my son stayed in the forefront of my custody case. Unfortunately, I wasted time & money on other attorneys before meeting her. Trust me!! As a mom who had to fight, get Ms. Folmar on your team from the start!
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10 Mar, 2024 by Tina
The worst mistake of my life. She caused me thousands of dollars and lied to ever time I asked for information. DO NOT LET HER RUIN YOUR CASE LIKE SHE DID MINE!! She encouraged to engage in illegal activities. HORRIBLE WARNING WARNING WARNING!!!
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21 Aug, 2021 by Chad garrison
04 Jul, 2021 by Joe frisella
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
