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14 Apr, 2023 by Dennis
Marc done a fantastic job with my case. I would highly recommend him. I feel he went above and beyond.
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30 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Marc handled my cases very professionally and helped me understand everything that was going on along the way. He made it top priority to get the best outcome for my personal situation. I cannot recommend him more.
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01 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Marc helped me with removing a Possession of controlled substance charge off of my record with ARD. He was very insightful and helpful with answering all my questions last year. When I received my background check for a new job, there was nothing on the report ! 10/10 recommend
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30 Jun, 2020 by Jordan
Attorney Tim Fleming is someone who I would recommend to anyone. I ended up with an issue where the PA Dept of Transportation suspended my Drivers License in error. Attorney Fleming expertly helped me walk back a very complicated series of events and win the case. Thank you to him for a wonderful and caring experience throughout a very stressful situation.
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06 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Having no experience with the criminal justice system and being in our mid 60's we asked our Farming organization for a referral and hired an attorney in Harrisburg who did not communicate with us and did not know the law and certainly did not know the Centre County justice system. After being fed up we looked at reviews and Tim's stood out. We asked for a consultation and in minutes Tim understood the issue and formulated a strategy. Tim spent an entire hour with us and would not charge us. However, Tim did not take our case because we were in the process past the preliminary hearing stage. I wish we would have found Tim from the beginning. He offered great advise that our attorney would not take and he offered to talk to our attorney if he would call him for advise on the Centre County personalities. Hire Tim, he knows the system, has great strategies, returns calls and explains everything. We wish we would have known what to look for in an attorney but we were scared so we took a bad recommendation. Now my husband will be pleading guilty for raising animals in the wettest year on record in a natural way that face book people found offensive and we simply can't afford to go on with this criminal justice process that is anything but just and is unbelievably expensive and has put us under incredible stress, worry and fear that has harmed our health and well being.
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14 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Fleming demonstrated a thorough understanding of the relevant legal issues and achieved a successful resolution of all matters.
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26 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous
Initial consultation was the day after making a phone call. Barbara is passionate, engaged, thorough, and very knowledgeable. I then hired her and have been grateful for her services ever since. Highly recommended.
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25 Sep, 2016 by Heather
I came to Barbara with a custody matter that needed handled quickly. She was eager to help and listen to my specific situation. She came up with an action plan that I was happy with and stayed on top of communication when I had concerns/questions. Barbara was very nice to work with and knows what she's doing. I would (and will) highly recommend her to others that are seeking legal help.
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18 Feb, 2016 by Annagayle
Very professional and kind. She makes herself available and cares about her clients. She is informative and discloses all options available. Barbara goes above and beyond what is required of her. I couldn't have asked for anyone better.
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22 Jun, 2015 by Anonymous
Marie handled our Child Custody Case. She was very attentive to our case and always available or returned emails/ phone calls efficiently . She was a tough lawyer in the court room and is a very highly respected attorney in the State College Area.
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26 Dec, 2014 by Frank
Marie is an excellent attorney who not only listens in the highest regard to her client but she is also an attorney who understands the needs of her client and fulfills them to the very best of her ability; her abilities as an attorney are flawless and relentless she is in fighting on your behalf for what is fair and what is right for the client's best interest. She will not put you on a shelf and get to you when the time is right for her because she understands the need for a quick but yet firm and just outcome. Marie also does not hesitate to call you personally to give to give to you any kind of advice or information about your case, you are not left out in the cold wondering what is going on or what is happening; it's like being face to face with your attorney at all times and you know in your heart that she is always there for you. I had already appointed two attorneys to my long enduring divorce case and it was very depressing listening to excuse after excuse for not moving forward, but when I finally reached out to Attorney Sullivan for help everything rapidly came to order and my case and life were finally moving forward. I'm very thankful that you were there for me Marie; my best to you and your family :) God bless
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22 Dec, 2014 by Rick
Marie Sullivan is lawyer of incredible professionalism and effectiveness who does her utmost to defend the interests of her clients. Anyone who has experienced a contentious custody or other legal dispute knows how stressful the situation is, and how ill at ease they feel with the entire process. As my own experience attests, Marie gave me comfort and confidence in the ultimate outcome in my case. She did this by exhibiting a deep grasp of the legal issues at hand, confidence and poise in the courtroom, and sensitivity to my own feelings regarding my case. The custody dispute I was in was extremely contentious and there was a great deal of uncertainty regarding whether I could achieve the goals I had intended regarding how the relationship with my children would be structured. Marie never let my confidence in my goals being achieved waver. She kept me abreast of the legal issues at hand, was a skilled negotiator with my ex-wife and her lawyer. She was meticulously prepared, confident, and effective beyond my wildest expectations in the courtroom. I highly recommend the services of Marie Sullivan in any case revolving around family law or issues regarding custody. She is exactly what you are looking for when life circumstances require the services of a lawyer.
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11 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Sharon helped my wife and I through the process of acquiring her green card and moving back to the USA. She was always very helpful when we had questions and was willing to put in extra time to find answers for our specific case. We had a great experience using her services and plan to use her services again in two years when we have to reapply for the next step.
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04 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
Sharon handled a very difficult separation, divorce and custody case spanning over two years in length. She was always clear with my options, consistent with looking out for my best interests, and effective in the courtroom and judges chambers. I felt as though I was always heard, and then guided towards the best strategy, especially when emotions were high for myself. I highly recommend Sharon for family law matters.
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22 Oct, 2018 by Akie
Sharon took care of my I-90 application. From the very first inquiry, Sharon was always timely to respond back. Whenever I reached out to her with questions, I received her answer within a day. I was told to expect to wait for a year to receive my Green card. Because of Sharon's professional, complete, thorough approach to my case, my card was issued within less than three months from the time the application was submitted.
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02 Apr, 2014 by Tom
John was extremely helpful during a stressful transition in my life and I'd highly recommend him as a very trustworthy and honest attorney. The quick, professional manner in which he conducted his practice helped reassure me I was in the right hands from day one. If you need trusted legal help with family law issues, I'd definitely recommend Mr. Bee.
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23 Aug, 2013 by Todd
My review of Mr. John Bee is that he provided excellent legal service. He is knowledgable in his field and very professional. His work was thorough and he was able to communicate his ideas effectively. He does quality work and responds to questions in a timely matter. I was very happy with his legal service.
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27 Apr, 2024 by Dantalion
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17 Jan, 2024 by Denise desousa
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12 Jan, 2024 by Dakota kilmer
I remember having Karen on my case when I was involved in CYS she was the reason I got home. She is amazing and definitely knows what she is doing! You can trust her to get the job done and done right!
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18 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Laura is professional, organized and absolutely has calls returned in a reasonable amount of time . She listens and can be compassionate at times. With that being said I would not recommend her if you are a male dealing with a PFA being filed. I never abused my wife in 11 yrs of marriage. I did not abuse her physically, emotionally, verbally or financially. I had a PFA filed and when it was served to me it was of a denied PFA because the judge saw right through it. However, due to persistence by outside pressures and the coaching by counselors at the Women's Resource Center , another one was filed with a couple of blatant and obvious lies and was granted. I hired Attorney Robbins to fight the PFA. The agreement was to fight it. I was devastated to even have my name in the same sentence with abuser or wife beater. When we got to court, Laura cowered to pressure from the Women's Resource Center and Assistant Prosecutor. I had only been to court a few time and never for a charge of abuse. Laura decided I should plead guilty. Her explanation was that if they can convince or prove of even one incident of abuse and I plead not guilty that it would be bad. I admit I forget the exact consequences. This happened several years ago and I have learned a lot since then. In the county in Pennsylvania that I live in now, my wife would not even have been granted a PFA or her PFA would have quickly been denied. Yet, due to inexperience in life and law I listed to Laura and plead guilty. She convinced me by asked Ng if I had ever raised my voice at my wife, now ex....I said well yes, but rarely and I did not yell or step or call her names. Laura said something like but you raised your voice and that's enough. Now, in Laura's defense, when this happened, abuse by men was a hot topic in Centre County. A retired State Trooper had around that time gone into a Weis Market in Philipsburg and shot his estranged wife. In a custody exchange a man shot and killed his ex wife at a Sheetz on Buffalo Run Road. As you can see I'm being honest and explaining the whole story. But the thing is, I really did not abuse my ex. In fact a couple times she abused me and even got a summons from a state Trooper for smacking, hitting and scratching me up. We should of fought it, she should of fought it. Does anyone understand the consequences of a PFA being granted by a judge during a separation, custody and divorce. I'm not even going to describe or explain how bad pleading guilty to that PFA did that day, I could write a small book about all the consequences that followed. A couple of quick highlights...In the very beginning of this s mess it became a major issue to even see my kids. I also could not work certain community service events that I like doing and lost many job opportunities. It got worse from there. I cannot speak to how well she does with custody and alimony, I did not use her for that. As for tough cases, fighting false PDA's, no way. Also if I could go back in time I would file for malpractice.
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25 Feb, 2020 by Sandy
I must say how much I appreciate Laura and her attentiveness to her clients. She was the fourth attorney I saw in State college and the one that got my divorce finalized. I did some of the work to eliminate cost, but she made this happen. I knew after our first consultation that she had empathy and understanding of my situation. She has amazing knowledge and efficiency. I highly recommend her to anyone and honestly, truly like her as a person.
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14 Apr, 2019 by Patsy
Laura Robbins is an excellent child custody attorney. She was always prepared, responded promptly to any and all questions, and extremely knowledgeable about the 16 points that are addressed in custody cases. With her help in my daughter's custody case we received the outcome we hoped for. We recommend her services very highly!
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03 May, 2023 by Moe rez
The absolute best! 🦈 💧 he knows how to tread through some deep mud!
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27 May, 2021 by Cortney
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27 Aug, 2020 by Andre sheffey
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24 Feb, 2024 by Rakmusen g
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19 Feb, 2024 by Hurley “hurley” one
Upon firing an attorney I turned to searching the correct fit. She was very professional and sat with me on several occasions when I needed reassurance. Laura is an amazing woman and attorney that wanted what was best for my daughter. Thank you for everything.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Grace gorenflo
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20 Oct, 2023 by James rainelli
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19 Sep, 2023 by Emily weaver
John Lhota and David Gaines are great to work with!
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10 Sep, 2023 by Cindy rowland
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24 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Lance for my DUI case. He was very helpful, and got me the result that I needed to keep my license. I have no problem recommending Lance Marshall
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14 May, 2022 by Anon
If one does homework on Mr Marshall he stepped down as Asst D.A in 09. Mr Marshall mishandled my case badly and spoke to me very badly in my opinion. I have to live with the repercussions of his mishandling and lack of advocacy on my case. You hire a lawyer to argue and advocate for you and it was said that things were not argued. I was harmed in my case, in the mishandling of it and in I feel how I was spoken to as well. My case was very sloppily and incorrectly handled and lost. I also felt intimidated as a client which is not something one wants to feel from an attorney hired and paid well to represent your interests. He did not argue on my behalf in my opinion and I feel pretty much written into the decision. The opposing counsels statements about me were practically complimentary in comparison to his "representation" of me. I have no criminal record and was a victim with circumstances flipped on me. Empathy and passionate advocacy would have been nice, but I wonder where one can find that with attorneys in this area. I feel it's often mostly about money and whether they like their clients or find them important. I've found that if attorneys don't like their clients they speak down to them argue with them and screw up their case. Mine was lost either on purpose or because of such a poor job. I would not recommend this attorney to anyone given my experience. Attorneys are in a position of power and with that should come kindness towards their clients and professionalism ideally.
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06 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
We sought Lance’s help on a very difficult situation for our daughter which included domestic violence and issues that could have affected her career in the long run due to false allegations being made in retaliation for finally having her husband arrested. Lance was responsive, fair and extremely knowledgeable about the laws. We found him to be honest and never gave us false hope but was able to always paint a clear picture of what the next steps would be. My daughter is finally free and can move on happily with her life thanks to Lance. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone that needs an experienced attorney.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Ellie m
We asked Tonia to take care of some legal matters for our mother who was moving out of the area. She went above and beyond to make sure everything was done correctly and in a timely manner. She was very professional and compassionate toward our family. I highly recommend this attorney!
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10 Aug, 2021 by Larry adams
Jeff Stover has always been knowledgeable and pleasant. He's a great attorney
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19 Aug, 2020 by Gregg soster
Our family had been trying to reach Mr Green as my father has been in hospice for weeks. Just zero response to calls. An astonishing lack of communication in our time of needs.
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05 Feb, 2014 by Jeff
I hired her for a divorce case. She was personal friends with the ex wife's lawyer and sided with the ex's lawyer, instead of representing me. She took my money and did not do anything to help me out. She even had me go to a court hearing, and when I showed up, nobody else was there. The hearing was canceled and she did not tell me. I missed a full day of work for nothing. She was more interested in helping her "personal friend lawyer", rather than helping the person she was supposed to be representing. She took my deposit money and asked for more, and did nothing.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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