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22 Nov, 2024 by Kyaiera mistretta tucker
Seth was fantastic at ensuring I understood everything and at communicating throughout thr process of closing on the sale of my property.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Rosa l
Seth was very helpful in closing the sale of our coop, which turned out to be full of “hiccups” here and there. He was calm and resourceful in dealing with all the issues and got it done in a way that required the least amount of actions from us. Throughout the process he was responsive and professional. It was great working with him. Highly recommended!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Harsha vijay
Wonderful team. Mark was very professional. Thank you Santagata and team for facilitating the complex cross country closing.
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13 Nov, 2019 by Matt
Alan represented me in a personal injury claim a few years ago. I had contacted multiple lawyers before contacting Alan, all of whom said I had no case. Alan not only enthusiastically took my case, he won my case and got me a substantial settlement. Highly recommend Alan to anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. He's a no non-sense, fight for his client, stand up guy.
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03 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
Excellent Attorney. He is honest, sincere and delivers as promised. I received top notch advice. He is straightforward and responsive. A tiger in court but knows how to settle the issues efficiently and effectively. i was very happy with the outcome.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Kyaiera mistretta tucker
Seth was fantastic at ensuring I understood everything and at communicating throughout thr process of closing on the sale of my property.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Rosa l
Seth was very helpful in closing the sale of our coop, which turned out to be full of “hiccups” here and there. He was calm and resourceful in dealing with all the issues and got it done in a way that required the least amount of actions from us. Throughout the process he was responsive and professional. It was great working with him. Highly recommended!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Harsha vijay
Wonderful team. Mark was very professional. Thank you Santagata and team for facilitating the complex cross country closing.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Kyaiera mistretta tucker
Seth was fantastic at ensuring I understood everything and at communicating throughout thr process of closing on the sale of my property.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Rosa l
Seth was very helpful in closing the sale of our coop, which turned out to be full of “hiccups” here and there. He was calm and resourceful in dealing with all the issues and got it done in a way that required the least amount of actions from us. Throughout the process he was responsive and professional. It was great working with him. Highly recommended!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Harsha vijay
Wonderful team. Mark was very professional. Thank you Santagata and team for facilitating the complex cross country closing.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Kyaiera mistretta tucker
Seth was fantastic at ensuring I understood everything and at communicating throughout thr process of closing on the sale of my property.
Read more
19 Nov, 2024 by Rosa l
Seth was very helpful in closing the sale of our coop, which turned out to be full of “hiccups” here and there. He was calm and resourceful in dealing with all the issues and got it done in a way that required the least amount of actions from us. Throughout the process he was responsive and professional. It was great working with him. Highly recommended!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Harsha vijay
Wonderful team. Mark was very professional. Thank you Santagata and team for facilitating the complex cross country closing.
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15 Jan, 2017 by Blake
My divorce was hostile and Attorney Harte mediated my needs without escalating problems. I am very happy with the divorce settlement agreement, visitation with my children, management of our assets and ultimately the sale of our home.
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16 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Attorney Harte. After a long search for a "reputable" attorney, Attorney Harte took the time to review and check everything. He is very thorough and fair. Attorney Harte settled my case for far more than I ever expected. Thank you again Mr. Harte.
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10 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
I was completely confused by a lot of the legal wrangling handled from my previous divorce lawyer. Mr. Harte was able to explain to me exactly what I needed, and prepared the proper paper work. My biggest regret is not having Mr. Harte in the first place.
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23 May, 2017 by Anonymous
We utilized Mr. Burdett over the course of 4 years after having had a bad experience with another lawyer. He is well versed in the law but is also well respected by his peers and the judges, putting him in a position to negotiate or take a stand as needed. He is very effective at litigating and retains details as needed to react on his feet to counter arguments. That being said, he does not waste time or money on frivolous motions and billing. He tries to find the most effective way to solve the problem at hand and works at it efficiently. I highly recommend him, especially in cases that involve children and that may be more complex.
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01 Mar, 2017 by Bryan
Chris has been an extremely principled and effective attorney. He's quick on his feet and can handle a wide range of issues simultaneously. Chris has singlehandedly gone up against teams of attorneys and won major points. I recommend Chris without reservation.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Christopher Burdett was very professional, knowledgable (obviously) and most of all extremely patient. I changed my mind about a thousand times whether to go through with a divorce or legal separation and he guided and helped me every step of the way with my case. It was a very positive experience working with Christopher Burdett. He's the best!
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17 Jul, 2015 by Greg
Laura helped me w/ my divorce. She was insightful and persistent in persuing my my goals for the case. I found her to be true to her word. I have and will continue to recommend her.
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23 Jul, 2014 by Daniela
Came highly recommended and more than lived up to those recommendations. Very hard worker. Intelligent, diligent, analytical, and knowledgeable lawyer. Asked good questions that revealed critical information that I had not considered. Displays great attention to detail and knows how to emphasize and pull out the most important points of your case. Excellent with figures. Does not waste your money. Caring and respectful of her client and their family. A pro at handling herself in the deposition as well as in the court room!
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22 Apr, 2021 by Curtis
Mel Bloomenthal did an outstanding job managing a material escrow account which was required by the Buyer of my mother's home. He was transparent and responsive to my questions and requests. His fees were reasonable. I was so thankful that I chose him to represent my mother.
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09 Oct, 2018 by Anonymous
We decided to draft a prenup shortly before our wedding. Karen was a great help in navigating the process in a timely manner. We would recommend her to others!
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02 Dec, 2022 by George
My family and I have been working working with Attorney Ridgely Brown for 10 years he has successfully fought our case against the fradulent mortgage companies that have passed our mortgage along to 5 different companies and 6 law firms whose case against us was dismissed. Our mortgage payments were illegally allocated to interest rather than to principle and the mortgage terms were illegal.
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03 May, 2016 by Donna
Eric Higgins was, and continues to be, an incredible help and support to me. He has been professional, intelligent, confident, compassionate, and very patient throughout the stressful process of divorce and beyond. He is a genuinely kind and caring person, and takes the time to listen to all my concerns. I never have felt rushed or that time was "running out." I am very happy with the outcome, and his continued support through any bumps in the road that have arisen since. I would give Eric my highest recommendation.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Mitchell becker
The entire GraberRoberts firm is very focused and thorough in its preparation for all aspects of a difficult legal controversy. Highly competent lead counsel(Howard Graber) is supported by a very professional team of caring individuals. The results speak for themselves. They achieved a legal result for me that I though was almost unachievable. Thank you GraberRoberts
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21 Feb, 2024 by Aygul gara dashly
Great experience. I recommend attorney Troyb for any immigration matters!
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12 Oct, 2023 by Bruce d.
Alex is a trusted attorney.
Don't hesitate.
Located in Stamford CT
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08 Feb, 2024 by Chris tarzia
The Maddox Law Firm, is an exemplary legal professional, adept at navigating complex matters with precision. Their expertise and dedication make them a trusted ally in any legal situation.
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04 May, 2023 by Christine rivera
The Maddox Law Firm explained everything to me in terms I could understand and was always very responsive when I had questions!
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05 Aug, 2016 by Cari rincker
I worked with Helen on a matrimonial case in Stamford, CT and she is a magnificent family lawyer. She is a patient, smart, and wise litigator and I have no doubt that she provides excellent service to her clients. She really cares about people, especially in these types of emotional matrimonial cases. Helen was a pleasure to work with and I recommend her without hesitation.
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08 Feb, 2024 by Chris tarzia
The Maddox Law Firm, is an exemplary legal professional, adept at navigating complex matters with precision. Their expertise and dedication make them a trusted ally in any legal situation.
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04 May, 2023 by Christine rivera
The Maddox Law Firm explained everything to me in terms I could understand and was always very responsive when I had questions!
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05 Aug, 2016 by Cari rincker
I worked with Helen on a matrimonial case in Stamford, CT and she is a magnificent family lawyer. She is a patient, smart, and wise litigator and I have no doubt that she provides excellent service to her clients. She really cares about people, especially in these types of emotional matrimonial cases. Helen was a pleasure to work with and I recommend her without hesitation.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Nico mongillo
Amazing law firm! Russ is an exceptional lawyer, very professional and knowledgeable on what he does! He goes above and beyond for his clients! Definitely recommend him and his team to everyone!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Debbie leblond
Christina Hanna is an exceptional lawyer who made my personal injury case so much easier to navigate. She was incredibly down-to-earth and took the time to explain the process every step of the way, ensuring I understood everything without feeling overwhelmed. What I appreciated most was that she never pressured me to make a decision about a settlement; instead, she gave me the space and time I needed to think things through. Her approach was thoughtful, professional, and supportive, and she was truly a pleasure to work with. I can’t recommend Christina highly enough—she was absolutely lovely from start to finish.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Michelle i
Karen and Christina were amazing. They kept me current on everything that was going on. They always emailed to check on me. The case was fairly quick to my opinion and they were very professional and made sure I was protected the whole time in the settlement process. I would highly recommend them and if god forbid ever needed again I would definitely use them. Thank you so much ladies for all you did for me.
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17 Jan, 2025 by Tracee cotton
I had a car accident back in April of 2024 while pregnant and ever since contacting them they have helped me each step of the way till now it’s settled! Thank you for your help and services!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Jimmy white
Very good firm to give 100. Percent
Always kind and understanding
There when you have concerns ready to answer any questions you have
Thank you all for your help
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20 Dec, 2024 by Carolyn gaza
I was treated with much respect and courtesy. Sarah was very professional and made me feel special. Thank you Sarah!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Tracee cotton
I had a car accident back in April of 2024 while pregnant and ever since contacting them they have helped me each step of the way till now it’s settled! Thank you for your help and services!
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17 Jan, 2025 by Jimmy white
Very good firm to give 100. Percent
Always kind and understanding
There when you have concerns ready to answer any questions you have
Thank you all for your help
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20 Dec, 2024 by Carolyn gaza
I was treated with much respect and courtesy. Sarah was very professional and made me feel special. Thank you Sarah!
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20 Nov, 2024 by Andrea uquillas
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional service I received from Mike. From the moment I reached out for help with my personal injury case, Mike made me feel completely supported and confident. He took the time to explain every step of the legal process, answered all of my questions, and always kept me in the loop. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for my well-being made a stressful situation much more manageable. Mike and all the staff went above and beyond to ensure I received the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Mike to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer — he's an outstanding advocate and truly a pleasure to work with.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Andre dawson
Mike works diligently for his clients and is very patient and outgoing! I would highly recommend!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Iverluis marquez
They do a nice job and excellent customer service. Am so happy to work with them
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20 Dec, 2024 by Wiliam perkins
I referred a wrongful death case to Brenden Leydon and have been working with him as local counsel. I can't say enough good things about him. This is very complex litigation and he has done remarkably well with it. I highly recommend him and his firm.
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27 Nov, 2024 by John fitch
I used this firm and Nick for a malpractice suit that has recently settled. I found Nick and his team to be very attentive and professional. Due to their attention to me and my case I felt prepared and at ease throughout the whole process. I am pleased and relieved that I received the best possible outcome, and believe this is a direct result of his dedication to my case. I would highly recommend Wocl and Leydon for all your legal services.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Taoyidi gbadamassi
I was very happy with the outcome. The process was quick and staff is very friendly.
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20 Dec, 2024 by Wiliam perkins
I referred a wrongful death case to Brenden Leydon and have been working with him as local counsel. I can't say enough good things about him. This is very complex litigation and he has done remarkably well with it. I highly recommend him and his firm.
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27 Nov, 2024 by John fitch
I used this firm and Nick for a malpractice suit that has recently settled. I found Nick and his team to be very attentive and professional. Due to their attention to me and my case I felt prepared and at ease throughout the whole process. I am pleased and relieved that I received the best possible outcome, and believe this is a direct result of his dedication to my case. I would highly recommend Wocl and Leydon for all your legal services.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Taoyidi gbadamassi
I was very happy with the outcome. The process was quick and staff is very friendly.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Mitchell becker
The entire GraberRoberts firm is very focused and thorough in its preparation for all aspects of a difficult legal controversy. Highly competent lead counsel(Howard Graber) is supported by a very professional team of caring individuals. The results speak for themselves. They achieved a legal result for me that I though was almost unachievable. Thank you GraberRoberts
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21 Feb, 2024 by Aygul gara dashly
Great experience. I recommend attorney Troyb for any immigration matters!
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12 Oct, 2023 by Bruce d.
Alex is a trusted attorney.
Don't hesitate.
Located in Stamford CT
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31 May, 2023 by Rob
It saddens me to have to write a review like this but given the situation, I feel it's best to get this out into the public to warn any future clients.
I am writing this review to express my utmost disappointment with the legal services provided by Heidi E. Opinsky. Unfortunately, my experience with her has been nothing short of frustrating. I hired her for a Prenuptial Agreement and ultimately, had to hire someone else since she was not able to come through in a timely matter. I outline all of the issues below.
First and foremost, communication was a major issue throughout the entire process. I spent the time to visit her at her home in mid-March 2023, and did not hear from her or her paralegal Oksana until I had to reach out myself about 7 weeks later, only to be told nothing was done yet.
Despite multiple attempts to reach out via email, I received little to no response from Heidi at times. When I did receive a response, it was often delayed and failed to address the concerns or questions I had raised. This lack of timely communication caused unnecessary delays and added to the overall frustration of the situation. It took over 3 months to get a first draft of the agreement.
Furthermore, I was deeply dissatisfied with the way misrepresented her schedule. I was under the impression that my case would receive the attention and priority it deserved, but unfortunately, that was far from the reality. It became evident that my case was not given the necessary time and effort, leaving me feeling neglected and disregarded as a client. She had a trial that she did not tell me about when I met with her. The trial took precedent clearly over my legal matters.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the documents prepared by Heidi contained numerous spelling errors and were clearly rushed. This lack of attention to detail and professionalism is simply unacceptable, considering the importance and sensitivity of legal matters. I wound up editing my own prenuptial agreement since it took her almost a month to make two quick changes that took me a total of 4 minutes to make.
As a result of all of the aforementioned issues, I thought it was best to obtain another lawyer (who was able to write up a very thorough prenuptial agreement within one week of meeting him); something that should have been taken care by her given the time I gave her. This cost me additional thousands of dollars.
Overall, my experience with Heidi E. Opinsky was nothing short of a disappointment. The lack of communication, misrepresentation of availability, failure to provide requested services, and the presence of spelling errors in legal documents, all highlight a significant lack of professionalism and dedication. I would strongly caution anyone considering legal services from Heidi to seek alternative options.
I sincerely hope that Heidi and her staff takes this feedback constructively and makes the necessary improvements to provide a better experience for future clients.
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26 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
Ms. Opinsky was the best choice once I realized I needed to get divorced. I had a complicated case with custody battles, finances, and problematic family members. With the help of Ms. Opinsky, I was able to protect myself in ways I didn't know were possible. I can't thank her enough for her work.
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26 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous
Heidi is a great attorney. She works endlessly for her clients. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to handle my case. Her knowledge of both CT and NY family law sets her apart from others.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Kyaiera mistretta tucker
Seth was fantastic at ensuring I understood everything and at communicating throughout thr process of closing on the sale of my property.
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19 Nov, 2024 by Rosa l
Seth was very helpful in closing the sale of our coop, which turned out to be full of “hiccups” here and there. He was calm and resourceful in dealing with all the issues and got it done in a way that required the least amount of actions from us. Throughout the process he was responsive and professional. It was great working with him. Highly recommended!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Harsha vijay
Wonderful team. Mark was very professional. Thank you Santagata and team for facilitating the complex cross country closing.
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25 Aug, 2020 by Sam
We never thought that one day we would need to look for a Family Law Attorney for help, but life at times brings us unexpected sudden events!
We were extremely rewarded when we were referred to The Law Offices of Rashmi N. Patel.
We still remember details of our first conversation, occurred on the same day in which she was asked to call us back, but the major one is that we noticed that above all we were speaking with a True Human Being, instead of just an Attorney!In anything that one does in life, it does not matter at what level, sense of Humanity needs to be present, a cordial smile should be seen even over the phone, and the W.I.T. will to help needs to be firm and honest.We were indeed quite impressed with that phone call and we knew at that moment that we could place our entire Trust on Rashmi N. Patel as we did feel that she would get the job done!Well, let me tell you! We were right! She immediately became familiar with our case, asked important questions and moved forward with the process.During its course, which was not very long at all, she proved herself to be a very clever and experienced Family Law Attorney, firm on her words, truthful on her commitment, and kind on her guidance.When in Court at the first required appearance, on a very crucial part of the litigation, she proved again to be a Winner! Not a Winner on that moment, but a Winner of all!What Rashmi did that day, how she professionally performed, and how she guided us showed once again that we were dealing with a Fighter, not for her Rights, but to defend ours, which became as important to her than they were at the time to ourselves! We did not measured words to express our sincere appreciation for all that she wanted to do, did, and we knew she would do!Every time we needed her; she was there. Every time we e-mailed her, she got right back. Every time we texted her, she texted back. Every time we called, she called back!All of the many conference calls we had were done timely and to the point! She did not extend it to be long. She led the conversation to decisively address that important points and got it done efficiently.Rashmi immediate responses showed us how we were important to her and assured us on how rewarded we were in counting with her skilled Legal Services. We knew that when she said we would celebrate Victory that she meant it and she knew within her heart that no unfairness should remain unpunished so that people should somehow be penalized for their unjustified and evil actions!It did not take long, besides many days passing by, for the final honestly Victory come to fruition!We still remember Rashmi N. Patel very strong words when of the very first call: “We will help you!”
We for sure do encourage you, if in need of a Family Law or Immigration truly competent Attorney, to call the Law Offices of Rashmi N. Patel. You will not talk with an assistant that will transfer to another Paralegal, and so forth and so forth! You will speak with Rashmi on the first shot and every time you need to!There is a huge difference between people who chose certain Professions because of the “money” involved and people who do what they love to do with the intensity of their soul and passion within their heart!Rashmi is one of them!
Rewarding True Success comes not to those who enrich themselves from serving others but from the conviction that we as Humans are on this Earth to Make A Difference to others! Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) - 1869/1948 - was also an Indian Lawyer, and on one of his most famous Quotes, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”, Gandhi pretty much reinforced our personal view of Rashmi N. Patel, also an Indian Attorney.
“By serving others from the heart and soul, the difference that you make to yourself and others is without any doubt quite priceless! Thank you so much, Rashmi! Awesome Legal Performance!
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11 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
Before writing this review, my family and I are forever grateful and indebted to Rashmi for representing our case & helping us to keep our family together.
When we first approached her, we were scared, confused, and clueless about how the case is going to unfold. She listened to the entire case very patiently and offered necessary guidance. She was honest about the chances we had to win. During the whole process, she was very thoughtful, dedicated, and promptly responded to our questions. At times, we lost our hope, but she persistently tried everything to win this case. I am thankful to her and her entire team to help me keep our family together.
I highly recommend her expertise and professionalism if you are looking for an Immigration Attorney for any complicated immigration-related issues.
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24 Aug, 2012 by Kris
My citizenship case involved multitude of items that had to obtained from various sources (agencies). Some of it was obsolete, some of it was archived, none of it readily available. Once gotten, it then needed to be cross referenced and checked for accuracy. From the distance it looked like a long and winding road.
Ms. Patel handled the case with aplomb and alacrity: my case was completed sooner than expected.
This attorney is highly effective, very efficient and utmost professional. Thoroughly recommended.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Carlos
I strongly recommend georgette Perimenis to anyone needing Family Law services. She is aggressive yet very compassionate and caring. She truly showed me she cared for my situation and will go above and beyond to fight for you. Her staff is extremely helpful and friendly. I am grateful to have had such a great lawyer! Thank you so much you're truly Amazing!!!!
From: Carlos
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11 May, 2018 by Ma
She helped our family a great deal. She is very knowledgable and I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is in need of help.
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13 May, 2017 by Francisco
Attorney Perimenis is an amazing person and one damn good attorney. She helped me in my time of need during a domestic violence case and a child custody case where my son and I were the victims. When I thought all was lost she came and protected and defended my son and I like a guardian angel. She has gone above and beyond for my son and I and she continues to do so. I am forever grateful that I met her and I trust her completely. I cant write enough here to explain to you how satisfied I am with Georgette but if your looking for top notch legal representation, Georgette and her team are the very best hands down!!
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11 Jul, 2015 by David
I have used Paul Greenan for estate planning and trust management for 20 years. He is easy to talk to, very insightful, responsive, caring and above all honest. He has been a great asset to me and my family and I appreciate all the hard work he has done for us over the years. I know he does not charge for all the time he puts into matters he handles; That alone sets him apart from other attorneys who have a stopwatch in hand.
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25 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Paul is one if the most honest and ethical lawyers I have worked with and having him on your side, is precisely that--he's on your side. He is interested in helping his clients and is honest and ethical in billing practices also, a standout among the rest.
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31 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Attorney Greenan gave his time to my family for free, and helped us with some estate planning for my uncle. He did not have to do something so nice. He did it from his heart. He was kind and smart. We thank him so much.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Andrea uquillas
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional service I received from Mike. From the moment I reached out for help with my personal injury case, Mike made me feel completely supported and confident. He took the time to explain every step of the legal process, answered all of my questions, and always kept me in the loop. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for my well-being made a stressful situation much more manageable. Mike and all the staff went above and beyond to ensure I received the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Mike to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer — he's an outstanding advocate and truly a pleasure to work with.
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20 Nov, 2024 by Andre dawson
Mike works diligently for his clients and is very patient and outgoing! I would highly recommend!
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30 Sep, 2024 by Iverluis marquez
They do a nice job and excellent customer service. Am so happy to work with them
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12 Oct, 2021 by John
Jon was great to work with when trying to purchase a home. While ultimately the deal fell through he kept in contact with us and went to bat on our behalf. I would definitely recommend his services for anyone with regards to home purchase.
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15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Have been a client of Thor Crone for many years. He has represented us with the purchase of our home, refinancing mortgages and preparation of wills, health care proxy and power of attorney forms. He is easy to work with and has many years of experience in Stamford and Fairfield County. Honest with sound judgment.
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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:
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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.
