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11 Apr, 2024 by Danielle
Mr. Bodiford was the best decision I could have made when choosing a divorce attorney. He is was honest through out the entire process. He doesn’t mince words and will give it to you straight. If you want someone who is fair, honest, and firm. Don’t hesitate to put him on your team. Mr. Bodiford’s office team is just as great as he is. They are the most professional and kind group of people you will ever encounter. All of this goes a long way when dealing with something as difficult and emotional as a divorce. He was the best and I can’t thank him enough for his support and professionalism.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Mr. Bodiford was incredible. I knew from the first meeting that he would support me and help me through a difficult time in my life. He gave me outstanding advice, was patient, responded quickly to my questions and concerns, and always looked out for me and my kids.
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10 Jul, 2023 by Rhonda
Mr. Bodiford and staff are very professional and work hard for their clients. A Win Win for Me So Thankful and Blessed to have had them in my corner.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Vitaliy
Mr Robert is highly professional lawyer in Georgia who proved get the job done. Thank you
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13 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Robert Smyly for a road ticket that was a bit complicated. He took things in hand and went the extra mile to prepare for the court and suggested the best course of action and the case ended with the best result that we could get. He spent the time that was needed and was always responsive with calls and texts. He is honest and hard working. I strongly recommend him.
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19 Jul, 2022 by Renee
Mr. Smyly came highly recommended after a long search for an attorney. He has been VERY professional, VERY knowledgeable, VERY understanding, VERY kind and most of all kept the communication lines open. No matter if he did not have the answer right then, he definately got back with me as soon as he had the answer. Explained everything to my understanding, and gave me worse case options. I would definately reach out to him again for any legal matters, (knock on wood) and definately recommend him for your legal needs. Oh and another thing I loved was having his personal phone number, no middle man, answering service, or secretary to go thru. He's an A+++ in my book!!!
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19 Oct, 2021 by Chris
I contacted Mary after jacking around with a divorce process that had lasted way too long not involving a lawyer on my part. When the delays became too excessive, I reached out to her to help me get everything finalized. She listened very carefully to my personal concerns of being amicable with my former spouse and then gave me her advice, which I took most of the time. Ultimately, It worked out as well as possible. Not sure how to verbalize how valuable she was. No divorce is easy, but if you want someone on your side that will lay it on the line for you what the situation is and respect your opinion, Mary is the peron for you. C. Peterson
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25 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
I retained Mary in 2013 for a complicated Divorce Action where there were Child Custody, Child Support, and Alimony Issues involved. From the moment we met it was obvious to me that I made the right choice. Not only is Mary a Great Lawyer, she is Kind, ,Understanding, and Compassionate with those she represents. She is a Tough, Confident, and Skilled Lawyer that supports and represents her Clients in a Professional manner at all times. Mary's abundant skills in the courtroom setting made the difference in how my case was resolved at the time. Mary also represented me in a Contempt of Divorce Decree Suit which ended up 150% in my favor due to her direct involvement by strategically presenting the relevant facts and issues therefore, countering and destroying the opposing Attorney. Her Staff is Excellent and I will forever be grateful to Mary House and her entire team of Professionals.
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17 Aug, 2016 by Chris
After nearly 30 years of marriage, my wife and I decided to divorce. It was a very difficult decision for the both of us. I thought our divorce would be uncontested and over quickly but it became contested. I researched everything I could find concerning divorce. What to look for in a Divorce Attorney, 10 Things to Do Before Filing for Divorce, 10 Things Not to Do Before You Divorce, What Does Divorce Cost and on and on. It’s overwhelming. The 1st thing I did was take the advice of one article about steps to take to find a good divorce attorney. I interviewed 5 different lawyers, in person, in the area. The only attorney that passed all of the criteria was Mary House. First, you will notice that Mary is very thorough. She takes the time to explain the process in lay person terms. She described the steps in detail what I would need to do so there are no surprises. Second, she listens. She listened to my side of the story and took the time to determine what would be the best way to represent me. I could convey specifics about what I wanted and Mary would explain what I could expect from the results. Third, communication. Mary IS the best communicator. As soon as she had any information, I knew about it. Whether through email or phone call, I was current with everything going on. Fourth, determination. Mary does her best to get the divorce finalized as quickly as possible and genuinely concerned to reduce costs as much as possible. She is quick to respond to the opposing attorneys. She keeps correspondence precise and to the point. At times it seemed I was her only client. She always got back to my questions/requests in a timely manner. Fifth, Compassion. Mary has the compassion you want in the very best attorney. She was truly dedicated to the outcome of my case and made every effort to make sure I was completely satisfied with the outcome. Sixth, Experience. When you talk to Mary, it is obvious she has seen it all and her experience is a testament to that. I won’t list it here but you can look up Mary’s extensive credentials online. I’ve only commented on some of the points I feel that were important to me. I could continue with more but I think you get the point. If I had to do it all over again, I would get Mary to represent me. Mary, Thank you and Tammy for making this difficult process tolerable. Thank you for your compassion and expertise. I would very highly recommend your services to anyone. Chris K.
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12 Oct, 2020 by Ms. m belser
Mrs. Chalcia Rainford has been an excellent attorney for my family. She has handled two Chapter 13 filings, consulted on Child Custody issue for my son, and assisting me with Estate planning for myself and my elderly parents. She will also return calls and give consults. Her Office Staff has always been very professional and polite as well.
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19 Feb, 2019 by Christie
Mrs. Chalcia Rainford was a big help for my family. She responded quickly to any questions I had. She worked diligently day and night on my bankruptcy case. She and her assistant made the process go very smoothly, and thanks to Mrs. Chalcia Rainford I am debt free.
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07 Jun, 2017 by Keeva
I had a chapter 7 bankruptcy and she was excellent. I even decided to use her again fro another legal matter especially because of the prompt responses I received.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Gantt did a great job getting my interest rate and mortgage rate lowered. I am now saving over 120,000.00 off of my mortgage, and my payments have almost dropped by half! Thanks Gantt & Associates for all your help.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Anonymous
Attorney Gantt was very professional and I am very pleased with her work. She handled both my divorce and Loan modification. My ex was trying to get over, and Ms. Gantt left no table unturned. She made sure I got what I deserved. All I wanted is to play fair, Attorney Gantt made sure that happened.
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12 May, 2011 by Lauren
Mr. Lotti represented my family in a criminal defense matter. He was extremely attentive to our requests for information and often provided information to us before we were required to ask. In providing information to our questions he made sure we fully understood the implications of accepting certain pleas or taking a certain course of action. He diligently prepared for his court appearance and maintained close contact throughout the entire preparation period. I have dealt with attorneys in the past who were unwilling to communicate freely with their clients or kept them in the dark. Mr. Lotti is a fine example of everything an attorney should be! He was extremely willing to negotiate prices and or payment plans associated with the costs of representation. Overall it was a great experience and I have already recommended his services to many of my friends and family members.
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04 May, 2024 by Wendy creel
John, Elise and Jan with Edge and Kimbrell provide professional and personable service for all their closings. The communication is excellent and my clients and I always feel as if we are important to them and they create a very exciting and professional environment for all their closings. I would recommend them for all your real estate needs.
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02 May, 2024 by Sue wilson
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27 Apr, 2024 by Tacoma robinson
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04 May, 2024 by Wendy creel
John, Elise and Jan with Edge and Kimbrell provide professional and personable service for all their closings. The communication is excellent and my clients and I always feel as if we are important to them and they create a very exciting and professional environment for all their closings. I would recommend them for all your real estate needs.
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02 May, 2024 by Sue wilson
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27 Apr, 2024 by Tacoma robinson
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04 May, 2024 by Wendy creel
John, Elise and Jan with Edge and Kimbrell provide professional and personable service for all their closings. The communication is excellent and my clients and I always feel as if we are important to them and they create a very exciting and professional environment for all their closings. I would recommend them for all your real estate needs.
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02 May, 2024 by Sue wilson
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27 Apr, 2024 by Tacoma robinson
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04 May, 2024 by Wendy creel
John, Elise and Jan with Edge and Kimbrell provide professional and personable service for all their closings. The communication is excellent and my clients and I always feel as if we are important to them and they create a very exciting and professional environment for all their closings. I would recommend them for all your real estate needs.
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02 May, 2024 by Sue wilson
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27 Apr, 2024 by Tacoma robinson
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04 Nov, 2022 by Marcus poole
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20 Jun, 2022 by Shonterria stokes
Al is our go too, know all things real estate attorney in the area. His office is filled with kindness and knowledge help.
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15 Aug, 2021 by Jocelyne williams
This is the BEST PLACE ON EARTH TO CLOSE WHEN YOU REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE!! The staff is very professional, caring, knowledgeable, dedicated and friendly. I was not sure of the process, but they let me know I could call or email them anytime to ask questions. The office is beautifully decorated and the entire staff makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. Remember the rates are low right now to refinance; RUN and use this company to handle ALL YOUR CLOSING NEEDS!!🙂
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19 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Where do I start? Let’s just say, stay away from this office. Her paralegal Walter is so unprofessional, doesn’t take care of business and pull rates out of the side of his neck...meanwhile she never gets on the phone to talk to you. Walter will joke and poke fun at your situation like a little 13 year old giggling boy, never get back to you, or does anything he says he will handle. You will never receive a call back and if you do once the answering service has routed your call, hopefully it won’t be an emergency because it’ll be hours! I’ll take my money ELSEWHERE! Someone that actually wants to work for it and not just throw out random rates and don’t want to do anything. Like what am I hiring YOU for! Thanks to her assistant, another potential client gone! I’ve heard this same thing but tried to give her a chance because she was close in the area.
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16 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Attorney Clark and her entire staff were very professional, very attentive and are just Experts with Law. She showed a very caring, understanding, and gentle spirit throughout the duration of my divorce proceedings. They really make you feel like family from beginning to the end which is especially important while going through an emotional unwanted divorce. They never delivered empty promises or false hopes! I highly recommend Attorney Clark and her staff for any of your legal needs!
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03 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
Horrible attorney for divorce, she stop communicating with me during a child custody matter. She never informed of a fraudulent motion being filed against me, I had to do some investigating to discover this on my own. She put her personal opinion in what she felt I deserved and told me I would never get what I was asking for from my ex-husband. I had to fire her and get a new attorney several months into my pending divorce, which my new attorney worked to get me everything I asked for and more. She then had the nerve to sue me and claim her work played a part in the settlement I was receiving. She had a revolving door of administrative help, she had outrages billing practices. She would bill me attorney's rate for administrative duties. Not my fault she lost her paralegal and secretary, I never agreed to pay an attorney's rate for her to make copies. Maybe she should just stick to slip and fall cases, and don't ever take on another divorce case. Which mine may have been her first as I was also billed for her research on what should have been basic divorce situations.
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28 Aug, 2018 by Jonathan
I hired Brad in 2011. I was facing serious charges. He was knowledgeable, upfront, and he communicated every option throughout the entire matter. Every charge was eventually dropped by the prosecutor in 2013. Watching Brad work my case inspired me to become a lawyer myself. I graduated in May of 2017 from an ABA accredited law school and I am awaiting results from my bar examination. Brad's spirit and work ethic are much of the reason for me becoming a lawyer. If there were 10 stars that's what I would rate Brad Moody!!!!
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05 Aug, 2017 by Sharonda johnson
I choose him and place my life or my kids and all there friends and he always pull thru throughout metro city and outse hats off great job everytime
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09 Dec, 2016 by Sarah
Still in the middle of a case will re review later but so far so Good. Was referred to Mr. Moody by a good friend several of my friends have used him and had good things to say. We are now using him as our attorney for our son, our son definitely likes him. He's a very down to earth guy. Does not talk over people's head he tells you strait forward. He stays in touch and does what he says will re review when the case is over.
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09 Oct, 2023 by Roberta
Very respectful and responsive to calls.Every time I called was very attentive.He is an outstanding individual and lawyer.
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28 Mar, 2021 by Kellie
He helped me with my divorce years ago. While in court, he leaned over and asked me if my “drapes matched the rug”. Needless to say I stuck him with a $7,000 bill. Stay away.
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26 Sep, 2019 by David
Mr Schoolcraft did my divorce back in 2006 my ex-wife found me in contempt of court a year ago 2018 I rehired Mr. Schoolcraft and he did an excellent job for me
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11 Aug, 2021 by John
Extremely unprofessional, constantly cancels appointments. She lacks the expertise and experience necessary to be a great attorney. Save your time and money and look elsewhere! Not worth the hassle.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Jenna helped me close on a house under 30 days! She was thorough and kept me informed through everything! 10/10 would hire again!
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08 Feb, 2021 by Alfred
Had a scheduled FaceTime consult to finalize Wills for both myself and my wife. Ms Le contacted us (via email) 1 1/2 hrs before the consult and stated she had to reschedule and would conduct the consult the next day at a time of our convenience. I responded via email with a time and Ms Le never responded back. Needless to say, the rescheduled consult never occurred. I left a voicemail message and sent an email asking her to contact us, but no response after waiting 24 hours.
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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:

  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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