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06 Sep, 2024 by James alexzander
Probably the BEST Family Law Attorney in the Ozarks! Shelly Reece and her staff were VERY professional and extremely helpful when it came to looking over my divorce paperwork to ensure I wasn't getting the short end of the stick.
She is the ONLY Family Law attorney I recommend and she's worth every cent! And every person I have referred to her has said the same thing!
As painful and messy as family law and divorces can be, she and her staff make it as pain free as possible and she fights tooth and nail for her clients!
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06 Sep, 2024 by Vernon clark
I really appreciate Shelly Reece’s help with my family’s case. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She went out of her way to help us through the most difficult time.
Her dedication and expert legal help made a significant difference in my case, and I am deeply grateful for her and Loni’s help. I have recommended her to several of my family and friends. Thank you Reece Family Law for your help!
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20 Feb, 2024 by Franky franke
DO NOT RETAIN THESE SNAKES, THEY WILL LEAVE YOU HOLDING THE BAG!!! Update and response - Let me correct the record, I called ur office to pay the $2500 retainer via credit card and ask a few legal questions and asked for Shelly but the secretary answering the phone was attempting to give legal advice over the phone, which is a violation of state laws, then she insinuated improprieties between the judges and attorneys stating that " they all know each other" and other things I won't mention here. I let her know that those comments and her legal opinon were inappropriate, then a few hours later we got a call from your office stating that y'all were no longer interested in the case. No need to doubt me cause I recorded the conversation with her in full (Missouri is a one party state)! Let me know if I need to forward it to the BAR for review. Thanks for wasting our time!👎👎
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08 Jul, 2024 by Laura johnson
Mr. Poe is the best! He did a great job for me and I recommend him without reservations. He is a good listener, gave me straight/honest answers, kept me in the loop on what I needed to do, and was flexible when I needed a little more time on some paperwork.
When my case went to court, he was right by my side. I feel that I probably got better, more personal service with him than if I had gone with a larger law firm. He also gave me a recommendation to a different attorney when I asked about something that is outside his area of practice.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Rochelle brack
Great attorney!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Dillon sims
that one star review was a 2000$ lesson... hired him on recommendation of another lawyer, he did nothing and billed me for emails at the rate of 50$ per to tell me that he had accomplished nothing.. when i fired him and ask for the balance of my trust amount back..and to send my files to another attorney he did... after charging me over 200$ to copy and send the file.. returning to me 40.90$ as an insult... the second lawyer i hired accomplished more in the first 24 hours of service than james did in about 6 months... avoid this guy.. it's the old slow bake bilk the client and make a buck technique with him. VERY DISSATISFIED!
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5.0
1 Reviews
3.6
41 Reviews
20 Sep, 2024 by Jae
Thanks for the refund but you’re STILL apart of the problem you never asked for proof you were just being rude and hateful a blind man can see I was discriminated against but hey I’m a child of the most high God and where one devil says no just know Gods angels will step right in with a yes!! You weren’t my last stop trust me!! You’ll read about my winnings!! I see why your ratings are so low just bc you practiced law doesn’t me you stand for justice sweetheart!! God bless you!!
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16 Jul, 2024 by Carree mayree
They charge you ,tell you what you wanna hear. Then when it comes time to hold them to what they said , they backtrack and change what was originally stated, they build you up to think you have a case, and that you just need to wait for this 1 or 2 things to happen/not happen and when those events come ,he turns around and tells you sorry I can't do anything now good luck, even though its what he initially told you to wait for, for your case . Absolutely not for workers and nor the little people.
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18 Apr, 2024 by Zach slone
Mr. Lampert resolved my case quickly and I received fair compensation. He also answered and returned my phone calls and emails in a timely manner.
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14 Aug, 2024 by Kelly davis
Promptly responded to all my questions. Very well taken care of!
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14 Aug, 2024 by Dillon caughman
Kyle Kent will bend over backwards for his clients. Can't say enough good things about his work. 10/10 highly recommend
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14 Aug, 2024 by Cody long
14 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Disbarred by BOTH Missouri & Louisiana Supreme Courts for fraud & misconduct.
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23 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
She had my case for several years and did absolutely nothing on it! No updates,( because she didn’t do anything on the case) wouldn’t return my calls, very unprofessional . Ended up dropping the case because she was a terrible Attorney. Do not recommend her at all!
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15 May, 2021 by Anonymous
Lynn Johnson is an awful lawyer and very unprofessional. She consulted with my lawyer and put in an email that she was offering a resolution so we couldn't use it as evidence then continued to verbally assault myself and my wife by calling us names. She was reported to the Missouri Bar for unprofessional misconduct and an investigation was opened on her by the Missouri Supreme court. My lawyer said she was the most unprofessional lawyer he ever encountered in his 30 year professional career. She also put lies and perjury in legal documents knowing their false lies. Read her other reviews, she has displayed disgusting behavior. Stay away, I wouldn't recommend at all.
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19 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Her paralegal lost my paperwork. Summer refused to speak to or work with opposing counsel. She was so bad I fired her and went without representation. The absolute worst attorney I've ever used in my life. She is awful.
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13 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
This was the worst lawyer I’ve ever had. She didn’t help me with anything, she would never speak up for me and would tell me to be quiet when I had facts. She would talk with the other lawyer and tell me I couldn’t say anything. Stay away from her because she doesn’t help at all.
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18 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
All he wants is your money. My family retained him for $1500 and all he did was write up a parenting plan. The day I knew he was a bad lawyer is when he looked me in the eyes and said I will not get custody of my son. Even tho I was by far the better option. I wanted to fire him on the spot but my family insisted I stick with him. He didn't follow through with any evidence I provided... The only thing he followed through with was charging me money. He quickly ran out the retainer fee with emails and court appearances. I got a letter in the mail once stating that there was a court date. So I got dressed up and was 15 minutes early. I pull up and who do I see running across the road 15 minutes before the time court started.. Royce... I flagged him down and he didn't even recognize me. Finally after me telling him who I was we conveniently remembered and invite me into his office, just to charge me $75!! That was haof his hourly rate. Funny thing is that I was only in there for 5 minutes but he went ahead and charged me for 30 minutes.. The only thing he said was that I wasn't required to show up. Gave me a briefing on what he did at this court apperence, which was only to get the judge to sign the papers. The kicker is that he charged me another $1500 after he blew through my retainer fee of $1500. And he didn't do anything but write up a parenting plan. Worst experience ever and I do not recommend Royce to anyone.
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05 Nov, 2012 by Clifford
I retained James Royce for a divorce, sadly I made a very expensive mistake, he is professional at opening letters and charging a high fee to do so, Mr. Royce did very little if anything to protect my property and retirement assets, he surprised me with hidden fees prior to entering the court room to represent in a very lengthy divorce. Mr. Royce left literally every issue I approached him with UNRESOLVED, tax issues, stock fund issues, property being hidden to property issues still unresolved to this date after excessive requests for resolutions in this matter, Mr. Royce did NOTHING to resolve child visitation issues, Mr. Royce DID take very aggressive action when he expected payment for ??? he sued me in the town that I reside in and during his court performance explained many personal issues related to my particular divorce case he also used my daughters disability as a plow to gain attention of the judge making it sound as if he and his staff worked long exhausting hours and days on visitation arrangements which were not logged in time sheets that he had charged me for. James Royce informed me after court that I have 10 years from my divorce date to take my "X" back to court to collect my property, --- Funny I thought I had hired him to do that for me. Mr. Royce has a strong issue with integrity when he was placed on the stand. Attorneys lie through their teeth !!!!!! I am confused about truth, and justice. "Just because you have a college degree hanging on the wall does not make you an honest man" Mr. Royce will speak with compassion and concern but actually doesn't give a damn with the exceptions of you wallet and be very aware of his wonderful friend Mrs. Housholder in Marshfield, MO
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29 Jun, 2018 by Chad adamson
07 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired brandy for a case involving my children. She is nice at first but before you know it (after she gets paid) she hardly ever responded to any of my texts, e-mails or phone calls! Half the time she wouldn't even show up to a scheduled appointment and when she did she was always always late! She didn't show up for court at least 5 times and it was important hearings that put my kids and I on a very thin line with not saying a word to me or other clients Brandy is untrustworthy and will fail you! A 5 year old could do a better job then her! She is soooo full of excuses and would never just shut up and listen to me! Brandy decided to re locate with no communication to me and along with other clients saying what she was doing! I am far from the only one who feels this way! Brandy is selfish and has no place being a attorney at law or anything important! I'm in the process of having her disbarred (which she has once already been) She acts like she's cares but drops off the face of the earth! She (how I feel) stole my money and never did her job.. Not even a little bit! I will stop at nothing to make sure everyone knows how she is! Brandy also drinks a lot or taking one of her many meds she told me about.. even durning court and while in office! She is a disgrace! I am normally loving and easy going but when my kids are at stake my gloves come off!
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13 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
Roommate best me up I got MS. pace she got my order of protection dropped, and didn't ask the court for an officer to stand in while roommate moved and so the roommate decided to cause more damage and stolen some of my belongings. So she should have listened to her client because I knew my roommate and what was going to happen.
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29 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Hired this attorney. He took $500.00 upfront to "research" my case. He made a lot of promises. He never followed up., when I contacted him., he sent me a vague email clearly showing he had not done anything in my case! He gave me some generalized info about my case that I had already told him I was aware. He quickly pocketed my money and never did anything about my case!! I called the firm sometime later and found out he had left. He lied and told the firm he had sent me a package of information concerning my case. He never did.
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FAQs
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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.
