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08 Feb, 2024 by Courtney
Austin was beyond amazing during the arduous process of custody modification. Austin was always very quick to respond and answer the million questions I had through each step. I am thankful for Austin and his team's work! I got the best result I could have gotten, and modifications are not an easy task.
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28 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Austin was fantastic in our custody case. He truly cares for his clients and is very focused on doing the best thing for the children involved. I appreciated that he was realistic in the goals we set for our case. He was also able to point us in the right direction for a counselor for our daughter and a Guardian ad Litem. Because of him, we had a dream team of professionals all working toward the goal of keeping our kiddo safe, supported, and providing the best future possible.
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26 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Austin is the best family law practitioner in town imho. The staff at the office are lovely: very professional, friendly and responsive. Austin is very knowledgeable about his area of practice, takes the time to ensure that clients understand their options, and really goes to bat for them. Billing is very clear and uncomplicated. I felt very supported throughout my court case(s) and would ask him to be my lawyer again in a heartbeat if I ever found myself in a legal situation again. Would give him 10 stars if I could!
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19 Nov, 2024 by Anonymous
Dylan was amazing to work with. He is very knowledgeable and professional. He was very thorough and communicated with me with any updates and changes in my case. I highly recommend Dylan for your family law needs.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Randy thomas eaton
Very helpful, great communication. I highly recommend
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21 Sep, 2024 by Billy rudderham
24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Great staff! They have been extremely detailed, courteous, professional with each interaction.
Never had legal assistance that was this smooth and comfortable.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Jeff
Great communication, Friendly, Attentive and Kind. All around great experience.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Jessica
Wonderful experience. From the first call it was a great experience. Everyone was very helpful and answered all of my questions.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Jordan haeffner
Brett is by far the best family law attorney around! The knowledge and know-how to go about legal matters and life advice exceed my expectations, and I can't thank him and his assistant enough! Brett will only take on so many clients to ensure he isn't spread thin, which definitely shows! His attention to detail, Connections, wisdom, and he genuine care makes Brett a Super Lawyer! This isn't something to brag about, but I have had my share of working with lawyers throughout my life; Brett goes up beyond what 99% of lawyers do in this day and age by actually listening and Genuinely caring! He spent time working on the problem with me and making a custom plan that fit my kiddo and my needs. Then, he went to battle and WON without having to go to trial, and that wasn't by luck but by building my case to prove my side! He’s the real deal!
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21 Oct, 2024 by Alexis booker
I have had the privilege to work with Mr. Schneider twice. Both times he has thought of things that never crossed my mind and ALWAYS had my best interest in the front of his mind. He is beyond understanding of all aspects of my life and what I want to accomplish. He is a blessing to my family.
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21 Oct, 2024 by Gary williams
Definitely a legit attorney. Has gone beyond expectations! His personality is spectacular!
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28 Jul, 2019 by Brittney farrier
Very nice people, lovely place. Tells you what you need to know instead of rambling on and making it hard to take it all in.
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16 May, 2019 by Vince hamilton
These are the best lawyers in town. I had a work comp claim that they helped me with. I found them to be very helpful.
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30 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
The meeting I had with this lawyer was a good meeting.I took all his advice he gave me and will use it. I also thank him for giving me straight forward information instead of beating around the bush.
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16 May, 2024 by Beverly
I hired Doug to help me with a rather sticky property transaction. I could have not asked for better representation! Even though he was doing his reserve time, he called me on his free time to get the case going. He has a wonderful paralegal "Lena" who also was very helpful and kind. No matter how many questions I had, she always was patient and nice. The two work very well together and in a timely matter. I was very very satisfied!
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30 Nov, 2023 by Ben
Very happy with Mr. Fredrick’s representation of us in a property line dispute case. Responded to phone calls in a timely manner, didn’t rush through in-person meetings and made sure to answer all our questions. Negotiated a good deal for us quickly and in a cost-effective way leaving a good portion of our retainer unused. Highly recommend him!
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15 Aug, 2022 by Shannon
Called and he was on Vacation but called me back asap. I look forward to using him as my lawyer.
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20 Mar, 2023 by Shana porter
Horrible experience. Called trying to find an attorney. Tried to explain to Millington what was going on. He kept cutting me off and jumping to conclusions I asked him politely to please allow me to explain so that he has the correct details and he began yelling at me at the top of his lungs and then screams " forget it" and hung up. The total phone call was about 5 mins. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. DIDNT NEED AN ANGRY MAN YELLING AT ME WHEN I WAS TRYING TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY!!!! Unprofessional and abusive. Couldn't even get through a 5 min conversation without him blowing up at a potential client. I've never experienced anything like it.
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05 Feb, 2023 by Tina rochin
Pleasant, positive experience assisting this reputable firm for the past several weeks. Answered calls and performed clerical tasks. From my front-row seat, I can attest to the professionalism that goes on behind the scenes.
The eldest partner, Topper, works diligently and tirelessly, spending considerable time with each client, handling each case conscientiously and compassionately. He treats everyone from the commissioner to the commoner with deep respect. He completely changed my outlook on aging in the workplace. Topper tops 'em all!
In actuality, I'm impressed with the entire practice, the legal skill and kindness of everyone on board. Millington & Glass has rejuvenated my faith in the legal profession.
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10 Feb, 2020 by Mc mikey
16 Apr, 2020 by Jamie
She helped to navigate a difficult situation for my family and she made us feel confident. She laid out a plan for us to reach out to people and groups that could help us also.
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02 Jan, 2015 by Krissy
Going through my divorce has been heart shredding Marsha is the lawyer n women that will stand for u when u are weak and gives u strength when u need it. I am Very blessed to have Marsha stiles in my life and as well as my lawyer. My children n I are indebted to her. :-)
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28 Apr, 2014 by Carol
MARSHA HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND WILL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS I ASK. SHE HELPED ME
THROUGH PAPERWORK WHEN MY HUSBAND DIED AND PUT MY ASSETS IN A TRUST. I FEEL SECURE
AND KNOW IF THERE EVER IS A PROBLEM, SHE CAN GIVE THE INPUT I NEED TO ADDRESS WHATEVER I NEEDS TO BE DONE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MARSHA, FROM A SATISFIED CUSTOMER.
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14 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
She helped me through a tough divorce. She kept me informed and did not mince words along the way. She let me know what to expect along the way was always right on. Even when I wanted things to go another way, she was thoughtful and kept my expectations in check. I appreciated her methods and her results.
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15 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Excellent Attorney, very professional demeanor . I was very impressed by her ability to verbalize her case with direct and true to the point and meaning. Her personal persona and body movement was of a way of an angel moving in my presence with high intelligence. I would highly recommend this attorney with a more than 5 star rating .
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02 Jul, 2015 by Mike
I would like to let everyone know how much I appreciate Robert's outstanding service. I have referred several clients to him and they all tell me he does an outstanding job and is a true professional.
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01 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
We have dealt with many attorneys over the years, but none have ever come close to the excellence of Bob Grosser. He is well versed in the law, and made us always feel as we were in the best hands, as we were. In so many legal situations, clients can feel overwhelmed and concerned. That was never the case with Bob. He always made us feel as if we were his only clients, and was never in a rush to answer all of our questions. He made a difficult situation comfortable, and we always felt at ease with Bob handling our legal needs. We will never consider another attorney for our legal needs, and would give him the highest recommendation possible.
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16 May, 2018 by Anonymous
Very professional. Hired her and she handled my case thoroughly. I felt informed on all possible outcomes, no false promises and I was prepared for Court. Her advice is spot on (follow it!) and she truly protected the best interest of my child. I would recommend her to everyone that has a family law issue.
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21 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr. Pratt is a great lawyer. He helped me get exactly what I wanted. I'm very happy with the services I got from him. He was always at court when he needed to be. He always helped me with any questions I had. He always kept me updated on everything. He was good at communicating.
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25 Dec, 2024 by Frank
During the past three and one-half years, Andrea has successfully navigated what has evolved to a difficult, and at times , complicated case involving a minor child who is a relative. Although the other party has been extremely difficult, Andrea has been able to negotiate fair and reasonable termson multiple occassions.
Based upon our experience over the years we believe that the Missouri Ozarks and Springfield regions are blessed to have one of the best family law attorneys available from anywhere. Andrea is second to none.
Our opinions of Andrea:
Intelligent - Extremely well versed in family law and minor children.
Well spoken - Outstanding communicator so clients understand as well as being very effective in the courtroom.
Strategy/Risk Management - Very effective in offering various strategies and the benefits/risks associated with each strategy.
- Caring and purpose driven. Our experience and getting to know Andrea has shown that she is a very caring and purpose driven individual. While researching Andrea's accomplishments prior to hiring her, Andrea's background back to college days includes being involved in charitable organizations for the benefit of children.
- Listens. Andrea is an excellent listener. We have spent hours and hours discussing strategy, issues, failures, etc. so she can satisfly the clients needs.
- Honest. Andrea will give you her opinion whether you like it or not.
- Efficient. Andrea and her team are productive. Andrea's fees are not the lowest, but believe you will get just as much or more bang for the buck for output let alone the exceptional experiance and expertise.
- Communicator. Does an outstanding job of keeping us informed of every single filing, update, etc. All documents that were sent externally were first reviewed for approval.
- Team. We have never had a bad experience with any members of her team.
We did not just pick Andrea's name out of a Google search. Several attorneys were interviewed to be co-counsel. Should you be interested, below is why and how we selected Andrea.
At our attorney's request, Andrea was sought and retained in 2021 as co-counsel to contribute the knowledge, experience and time in a case that was becoming much more complicated and overwhelming than expected with no end in sight. Andrea was also selected as the person that would carry the torch so that our first attorney could focus on the needs of his other clients.
Several attorneys from Jefferson City, MO to Springfield, MO regions were interviewed by the family. Andrea was the only attorney that we requested our attorney to do a second interview. Our attorney called us after the interview, asked how we found her and said without doubt she is the most qualified attorney he knows of to handle the situation. To this day we wholeheartedly believe that Andrea is second to none when it comes to family law, particulary when it comes to the the mental, physical and overall wellbeing of minor children.
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01 Jan, 2024 by Garrett klein
Rina goes above and beyond what she is required to do. She has done so much for my fiancé and I. I can tell she truly cares about the outcome of her clients as well. Thanks for all you do!
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28 Nov, 2023 by Michael brennan
Rina is one of the best lawyers ever :) She's professional, deeply cares and does a wonderful job with all legwork and proceedings
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01 Aug, 2023 by Amy steam
Responsive, knowledgeable and kind: the best kind of immigration lawyer.
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08 Sep, 2022 by Angie rieschel
Susanna is an amazing attorney in every respect. She's reasonable in her fees and very attentive to her clients. She's a very caring Guardian ad Litem and one of the best attorneys around.
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25 Oct, 2024 by Amy s.
Rick was able to guide me through a very tedious and stressful experience which I knew absolutely nothing about. He is extremely organized and thorough and quick to get me any answers I needed. The entire staff was invested in making sure I was happy with their service. I highly recommend Rick Van Pelt!
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07 Mar, 2024 by Leroy lancaster
The manager in there is more helpful than any major around here bend over backwards for you one in Ozark she can't even discuss nothing without being read out in a lobby with everybody
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14 Feb, 2024 by Micah dronberger
12 Jan, 2025 by Gracey olivia
I am 100% satisfied with my experience! The process was so easy I forgot I even had a ticket. They are great about updating as well, 10/10 recommend!
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14 Nov, 2024 by Samuel leung
They said they wouldn't be able to do anything about my speeding ticket. I went to a different lawyer and they were able to get it off my record.
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14 Nov, 2024 by Rodger currie
Attorney Romine and his team exceeded my highest expectations. He negotiated with the government to dispense with my traffic ticket less than a week after hiring him. A+ legal work, great communicator, and transparent about all costs (including a very reasonable fee).
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05 Feb, 2025 by William ginger
I felt like there are no better attorneys than strong law firm that helped me with my case, specially since i was familiar
with legal system how it works
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02 Feb, 2025 by Queenb
We could not recommend this law firm more! Not only do they go above and beyond, they work with you as a friend. We were always informed about what was happening with our case. In our situation you could just tell they felt what we were going through and that was a blessing.
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28 Jan, 2025 by Rani hutcherson
Nick and Caitlin were great! They helped me quick and efficiently.
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05 Feb, 2025 by William ginger
I felt like there are no better attorneys than strong law firm that helped me with my case, specially since i was familiar
with legal system how it works
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02 Feb, 2025 by Queenb
We could not recommend this law firm more! Not only do they go above and beyond, they work with you as a friend. We were always informed about what was happening with our case. In our situation you could just tell they felt what we were going through and that was a blessing.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Michele smith
I can’t say enough good things about Branden he has helped me and my family through some of the hardest times of our lives. His compassion is above what anyone could expect. He will always be honest with you and bring realistic expectations. He truly cares about the people he represents and their families. If you want someone who will be honest and tell you the truth and set realistic expectations then I highly recommend you call Branden! He has been a blessing in our lives!
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05 Feb, 2025 by William ginger
I felt like there are no better attorneys than strong law firm that helped me with my case, specially since i was familiar
with legal system how it works
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02 Feb, 2025 by Queenb
We could not recommend this law firm more! Not only do they go above and beyond, they work with you as a friend. We were always informed about what was happening with our case. In our situation you could just tell they felt what we were going through and that was a blessing.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Michele smith
I can’t say enough good things about Branden he has helped me and my family through some of the hardest times of our lives. His compassion is above what anyone could expect. He will always be honest with you and bring realistic expectations. He truly cares about the people he represents and their families. If you want someone who will be honest and tell you the truth and set realistic expectations then I highly recommend you call Branden! He has been a blessing in our lives!
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03 Dec, 2024 by *rachelle*dani* *haney*shears*
The Anthony Phillips law firm in Springfield Missouri is a great place to hire for family law needs. Anthony was diligent, thorough, and prompt with my case as well as informative with things I didn't know about and kept in contact giving frequent updates on the progress of the case. If need be, I will return to him in the future and I highly recommend him!
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17 Oct, 2024 by Abigail turley
Springfield attorney Anthony Phillips is very skilled at what he does and it shows. If you don't understand what is going on he will break it down to where you can without passing any judgement. He speaks with compassion for the families he works with. Anthony takes the time to listen and actually thinks about what we could do rather than just spouting off answers that won't actively help. 10/10 highly recommend this very professional funny gentleman!
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09 Oct, 2024 by Carol sanchez
Excellent lawyer..
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31 Oct, 2024 by Teri summerfield
I can't say enough good things about Jesse and Audra. They were an amazing team that helped me through all of the situations that came up during my 5 year journey. I'm so grateful for them answering all of my questions and just guiding me through this process flawlessly. It wasn't an easy journey at times, but so well worth it in the end. I'm now moving forward in life in a much better financial position. Thank you so much, Licata Bankruptcy, for everything over the last 5+ years! I wouldn't be where I am now without you.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Wendy sundstrom
I had a great experience at Licata!! Jordyn was my attorney, and he was excellent at explaining things, so we could fully understand . I would recommend him to anyone facing financial problems including Bankruptcy.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Colin judy
They made the process extremely easy. I’d recommend Jordyn to anyone thinking about filing. If you’re on the fence about making the decision, give them a call. They were amazing to work with.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Travis willyerd
I have used Doug Carter several times for advice, and evictions. His constant professionalism, expertise, and care for me and my various situations are appreciated. If you have a problem I recommend using Doug, or at the very least consulting with him.
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10 Jan, 2023 by Laurie kegley
We were to pay him the January rent which we did before the 1st but never informed hunter property management awful awful people
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21 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Hired Ben to handle my paternity case. He talked a big game but then refused to even try to fight. When I lost the case he offered to do the name change since he failed to put it in the original petition. But after I did the original paper he ghosted me. Would not recommend to anyone.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Christopher wommack
My brother hired Richard to help in a custody case with his drug addict baby mama. Mr. Bender seems to work for the opposing party, by instructing my brother to go along with a parenting plan that isn't signed by a judge and let his child go with the baby mama that has no license to live with the baby mama's alcoholic mother and abusive brother
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21 Aug, 2024 by Johnathon howard
30 Apr, 2024 by Emily collins
From the first phone call of searching for a good lawyer and having Richard Bender call me back he made me feel like I was his only priority! Never ignored a word or a phone call. Very honest and dependable! Great guy!
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20 Dec, 2024 by Scott gibbons
Jason is one of, if not "the best" lawyer I have ever worked with.
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28 Oct, 2024 by John banes
Honest, since dealing with other attorneys since Jason represented me I can his honesty is second to none.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Crystal graham
Clough is a matador who won't put up with any bull from the opposing party.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Scott gibbons
Jason is one of, if not "the best" lawyer I have ever worked with.
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28 Oct, 2024 by John banes
Honest, since dealing with other attorneys since Jason represented me I can his honesty is second to none.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Amanda
I had the displeasure of meeting this person for a consult on a custody modification case. He spent 20 minutes literally insulting me, belittling me, mocking my job and my income, and patronizing me.
I walked out mid consult due to his highly u unprofessional behavior and his arrogant, narcissistic attitude.
If this is how he presents himself, I’d be embarrassed and humiliated to have him represent me in any court.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Rochelle brack
Great attorney!
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10 Feb, 2024 by K c
26 Oct, 2023 by Shannon edwards
James Poe, I wanna recluse my review. James Poe is an outstanding lawyer. He did everything in his power to.
Leave us as happy clients. James Poe is an outstanding lawyer and family person he. Understands how it is when you lose your house and and he is very sympathetic. To situations we are, I can't say enough about James Poe. He is just an outstanding one hell of a guy, 1 heck of a lawyer, just an all around, really, really good guy.
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04 Feb, 2025 by Carolyn may
John pushed for me to close even though I was still having issues! then he had a Doctor Who was 90 years old look at me or look at my injury! told me, yeah that would cause pain! John didn’t hear anything I had to say half the time no one would call me back. I would constantly have to call them to get any information of what was going on. And then it just seemed like it was a circus with him and he didn’t care
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14 Nov, 2024 by Cheyenne parson
14 Nov, 2024 by Patsy wilks
The Bradshaw office treated us very well We were very happy with their service
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3.8
11 Reviews
4.0
57 Reviews
04 Dec, 2024 by Taylor dunkel
I highly recommend Reece Family Law! Shelly has been patient, kind, and understanding throughout the entire process. She is incredibly informative and explains everything in such a compassionate way and makes sure that all parties understand each part of the process. She’s always been available for questions and legal counsel whenever we’ve needed her, and her office staff is helpful and great to work with.
If you’re needing family law representation, Reece Family Law should be your first choice!
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31 Oct, 2024 by Shannon black
Shelly was so awesome!! I needed a lawyer to step in for my previous lawyer and she came through!! She is extremely knowledgeable and she cares about her clients. Highly recommend for divorce cases.
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24 Oct, 2024 by Brittany senter
08 Jul, 2024 by Bonnie arnwine
Our company got hit with an out of state nuisance lawsuit. I tried to avoid legal fees and negotiate a reasonable settlement with the out of state attorney. However, he wouldn’t negotiate and wanted $20K+. I knew I needed a good lawyer and was referred to James Poe. Mr. Poe reviewed the out of state law, successfully came up with a brilliant legal plan, and worked to substantially reduce the settlement amount ($3,500). I wish I would have contacted Mr. Poe right from the beginning. It would have saved me a lot of time and stress. He is honest, works hard for you, and his prices are fair. I highly recommend him if you or your business are in need of legal representation.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Stidz media
James recently help me establish a business by doing all the necessary paperwork in a timely and effective manner. He also explained the potential advantages of the particular business structure we used. I high reccomended him and look forward to working with James again in the future.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Leasa white
Kit is a very nice lady
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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.
