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13 Nov, 2022 by Kevin kimball
I had Brian Bolves for an Eminent Domain case in Naples. He ignored my emails and kept my funds illegally in his escrow account ..TWICE!! He nor his assistant would reply to my emails even as I told him I would give him a one star review and write a complaint to the Florida Bar. He won't provide the necessary paperwork so i can file taxes so I have to get it from the County Attorney. I forwarded the emails I sent him to his assistant and the ones I sent to the assistant to Brian trying to get some response, No luck! Fortunately the County paid him.
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17 Sep, 2022 by Andrew bolves
14 Jan, 2022 by Richard alonso
Laura Donaldson is the best...She help me so much ..like if she knew me for year's...you need help in real estate law she the best ..
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27 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Ms. Vargas to assist me with a legal family law matter. She was not knowledgeable in this area of law. She was unable to accurately answer my questions or provide sound legal advice. She was not prepared for our Court date and I felt like she didn't even know the facts of my case. She has no attention to detail and provides no customer service. She wouldn't return my calls and failed to keep me updated as to the status of my case. I would have been better off representing myself. I received very poor representation and would not recommend this attorney to anyone who is looking for an aggressive knowledgeable attorney.
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17 Jul, 2017 by Lorraine
Zero compassion. Zero knowledge. Provided zero evidence when there was a plethora available. If you truly believe that your fight is worth fighting for, do not hire Wendy. She will not give you the good fight.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Liliana
We loved working with Wendy, she was excellent explaining all our options, was very quick in preparing all our documents and prices were fair.
We will keep working with her in all our legal needs.
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19 Jan, 2024 by Kevin
John said he would take my case for divorce. I gave him $500 he sent a couple of letters . I tried to reach he by phone by email, text message no response from him. In the beginning I told him I had no money because my wife had it all. He said no problem I’ll Paition the court for the money month went by nothing gave him $500 more to sign the papers . I had a court date he told me nothing about . He walked with my money. I’m disabled living on social security. Money is hard to come by so someone to take me for $1000. Is a lot to me. Thanks John
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03 Jul, 2019 by Anonymous
Let me start out by saying I have had several attorneys. Highly litigated ongoing family law case (8 years). John has by far been the best attorney for my case, and my husbands case as well. He is knowledgeable in many areas of the law. He is very fair in his pricing. He is honest with his clients. He wont set you up for failure, or to be let down. When he says he can get it done, he really can. One thing I can say is he defends his clients to his absolute very best ability. He is the only attorney to make me feel like he is really on my side and not feel defeated by the court system when we walk out. If I had this to do all over, he would have been my number 1 choice and I would have stuck by him the entire time. He can be aggressive or passive and that helps alot when litigating cases also. Highly recommended.
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22 May, 2019 by Denise
I hired John Panzarella to resolve a very sensitive case in court on my husband and my behalf. I am very happy with his conduct, professionalism, knowledge, charisma and positivism. I have talked to many Attorneys before about the same case and they all turned me off saying that I had no chance. John made a lot of researches about my case and found out what was the key to give me what I was for so long waiting for. I would recommend John Panzarella to any type of case because even though the case might not be his area of knowledge, John will dig deep on his researches to help you out with professionalism and care. Denise - Personal Trainer- Tampa/FL
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26 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Castro represented me during my divorce. Because of his sloppiness and unpreparedness, my divorce which was NOT contested still cost me upwards of of $35K. Each session, he would ask me the same questions, making me repeat myself, almost like he wasn't listening or taking notes. These redundant sessions drove my cost up. He also failed to negotiate for my rights during the divorce proceeding and I had to do the lawyer thinking for him. My ex spouse's attorney was much more competent and prepared than him. Do not use him unless you are prepared to watch your hard earned money disappear.
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31 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Castro assisted me with my divorce matter from beginning to end. I was very pleased with the outcome and the assistance throughout the entire matter.
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11 May, 2024 by Melanie garay
09 Aug, 2023 by Christine holmes whatupholmes
21 Jul, 2023 by Christian gendebien
08 Sep, 2020 by Nikki
I was referred to Kristina by a former divorce attorney (who’s services I could no longer afford). He spoke so highly of her and told me how incredibly smart she was. I began working Kristina back in 2017 and she did NOT disappoint! First of all, I love working with someone who is down to earth and easy to talk to. I do not understand law and the “lingo” at all so she was able to translate things for me. Being a mother of three herself, she was easily relatable and understood the challenges I was facing in my own situation.
Flash forward to year 2020...I called Kristina in hopes she could help me with another situation related to our Florida case. It must be noted that I live in CA now and when I called her for help. She was right on it walking me every step, always in contact, and always there when I had questions. She was able to help me even though I am now 3,000 miles away! This woman knows law like the back of her hand and is able to point out things that I would have never even thought of. I just can’t say enough good things about her! Knowledgeable, relatable, understanding, compassionate, loyal, and highly intelligent are the words that best describe this woman. Thank you!
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29 May, 2020 by Brandon
Kristina helped me out in a time of need. She was professional and gave very valued advice. Through my divorce she stood by my side and made the process easy and understandable. I have recommended her to my friends and family going though any kind of family and law trouble.
Again thank you so much !
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19 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Kristie has always gone above and beyond my expectations, I'm so thankful she was recommended to me! She truly cares about her clients and it's great that she's so relatable (some attorneys are so stuffy and intimidating, but Kristie is so welcoming and has such a calming presence). She explains everything to you, so you're not in the dark, and tells you her honest opinion, not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. She's always willing to help and fight for her client's best interest and has such a wealth of knowledge. I could go on forever about how great she is and how she has made such a difficult time just a little bit easier.
I'll definitely recommend her to anyone in need of a Family Law attorney!
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22 Oct, 2010 by I got caught but then was saved.
I did it. But Monica saved me. Im sorry. Thank you Monica.
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13 Oct, 2010 by Delilah mosley
Monica has helped me out of so many tight jams, I came to her office my paper work and left her office with a heavy weight lifted off of me and my family. I want be getting back into any trouble but if I do then Moncia is always her ready to help.
Thank you once again for you time
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05 Oct, 2010 by S and r
Monica is trustworthy, and extremely knowledgeable, Talk about responsive; this lawyer has always called us back or better yet; she has answered her phone late in to the evening. If you dont use her then you are only hurting yourself. We recommend Monica Strickland. she is Monica The Great
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08 Nov, 2024 by Irma
Mr. Mooney is THE BEST Family Law Attorney in Tampa Bay area!! Mr. Mooney and his team know the law very well, they are efficient, dedicated, will fight for you, and truly do care about their clients. The entire team kept me updated regularly and were always available to answer any questions or concerns I had.
Special Thank You to Melissa who went above and beyond of what’s typically required with the paperwork!! She herself walked my papers over to my now ex-husband in a very time sensitive situation and was on top of this process through completion. Thank you so much Melissa!!
Divorce is a challenging process and Mr. Mooney and his team have made it much easier to work through. I got EXACTLY what I wanted. I highly recommend Mr. Mooney to anyone!! THANK YOU Mr. Mooney, Melissa and Mandy for all your help!!
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28 Jan, 2022 by Go fuck yourself
Pure garbage, unprofessional and his sister is a piece of work as well. So out of touch with reality. Very sad.
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03 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Michael J Mooney was hired to cover a multitude of issues such as Reunification, Child Support Review and Order Enforcement. Not only did he choose to ignore our retainer agreement, refuse to take a phone calls or take my concerns seriously, he gave leniency to Opposing Party at every turn which led to outrageous costs to just see my daughter (~$3000/month not including child suport). Every piece of advice that he gave me was geared toward the benefit of the Oppozing Party (which he presented as "best interest of the child" and allowed extreme Parent Alienation) and ended up destroying my relationship with my child. To this day, the relationship between my child and I is estranged and has never been the same. We cannot get those years back. I pray that I could reverse time and have hired someone who would have actually acted in the best interest of my child. However, the damage is done and the pain is unbearable.
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28 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Linda stopped being responsive as soon as she received my retainer. She could not make time to meet with me in person or even a scheduled call days in advance. The majority of my emails went unanswered and any attempts to better communication were met with excuses. I eventually had to hire other counsel because we were not getting anywhere on my case. She is not someone I’d recommend to anyone going through this difficult divorce process.
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18 Jun, 2013 by Christina
Excellent lawyer! She explained the law, the variables and how they applied to my case. Working my case in a very strategic way allowed for good results and conserved on funds. My family can now move on without disruption.
I was a mess - fearful about losing my children, home and family business. Focusing on the big picture, Linda preserved our home and business by crafting a settlement agreement where everyone could achieve some success. She cared about my kids when no-one else seemed to realize the harm that was occurring to them. I would highly recommend her!
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11 Aug, 2011 by Lisa
Linda represented me during an extremely difficult time. I was so impressed with her knowledge, diligence and honesty throughout my case. I highly recommend her!
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10 Jan, 2022 by Bj
I’ll write what she did for me, NOTHING ! Don’t waste your money. Don’t go to her with a problem and have her create a new one! Avoid her for your own good
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21 Dec, 2021 by Brian
If I could give her a negative number I would! Met with her and along the way gave her a $2000 retainer. Clearly if you don’t do any work a client would get your retainer back! Took her months to reply to tell me she won’t be giving my money back when she hasn’t done a thing! Will report her to the Florida bar and the attorney who referred me to her! Stay away she can’t be reached and in my case robbed me. What attorney takes your money and doesn’t do anything and keeps the money! Pure garbage!
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18 Jul, 2015 by Anonymous
Horrible Horrible Horrible. True definition of an attorney who is in it for just money. My family law case was not handled responsibly. Rather treated as a way to increase cost and shuffle paperwork. Beware of hidden cost from paralegals who conduct her work. Also, she doesn't allow communication only threw email and will charge ridiculous amounts for writing less than a paragraph in emails. She does not communicate well. Pretty much a useless family law attorney as the office probably focuses more on bankruptcy cases.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Represents criminals who decapitate dogs pro bono. I find this absolutely deplorable and abhorrent.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Suzie
He represents a man who decapitated a rescue dog, put him in a plastic bag without his head, and put him in the mangroves in St. Pete. Who can represent this disgusting human? He must have no heart or conscience.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I was arrested on some complete BS drug possession charge and did not know what to do as this was my first time ever getting in any sort of legal trouble or any trouble for that matter. Contacted Victor and he immediately eased my concerns and clearly stated my options and what exactly he was going to do for my case. He was optimistic but very practical in the explanation to me about what was about to transpire. He is also well known in the circle of prosecutors in the area which is an added bonus as he was able to off the bat drop my felony charge to a misdemeanor. He is also understanding of your financial situation and catered a custom financial plan that would not leave me dead broke. All in all, I dont plan on ever hiring another attorney but in the event that things dont go as planned, my anxiety is eased as I know I have an excellent attorney in my corner that I can call anytime. I recommend Victor to any and everyone who is in need of an attorney as you possibly cannot go wrong with him on your side!
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11 Aug, 2015 by Erika
I have had Mark as my attorney for the last 16 yrs. He has helped me with my child's child support/visitation issues and a divorce. He has always been attentive to my situation, understanding as to the outcome I wanted and given me great advice to help me thru some tough times.
I have recommended him to many of my friends who have nothing but good things to say about him.
I will always refer Mark and use him in my time of need.
Thank you Mark for everything you have done for me!!
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23 Jul, 2015 by Jason r
Mark Neumaier is the best family law attorney I have ever worked with, period. I hired Mark because he came very highly recommended and it was the best decision. Mark was responsive, efficient and completely dominated the other attorney in and out of the court room in all manners, knowledge, behavior, communication and appearance. He is polite, calm and reassuring to speak with even during the most stressful situations. He tried in all instances to resolve issues as simply as possible without causing more hate and collateral damage in the situation.
I cannot recommend Mark enough, you will not be dissappointed
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23 Jul, 2015 by Nancy
I have been successfully relying on Mark Neumaier to advocate on my behalf in legal matters for over a decade. He is communicative, competent and knowledgeable, and he has a calming and compassionate nature.
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06 Dec, 2022 by Matt
Attorney Weed and Paralegal Keating have been the main reason that I’ve been able to establish and grow a bonding relationship with my daughter. Attorney Weed was intuitive every time opposing counsel made a move to sabotage my relief from the court concerning time sharing and parental responsibility.
Attorney Weed handled multiple cases for me, all of which ending in my favor by the court.
She impressed the judges with vast knowledge about the law and preparation in applying it to my cases. She made two opposing attorneys hired by my daughters mother fall apart on separate occasions in front of the same judge.
There’s singularly no better family law attorney in Tampa/Bradenton/sarasota
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08 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Title says it all. Paid money. No results and was fired. My family grew concerned and fearful of this woman and her son,
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06 Mar, 2021 by J.a.
Very professional and patient with me. Answered my question . Thank you Ms Weed
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19 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Dealing with him as one of the worst attorney experience I’ve ever had. He is so unprofessional he will just start screaming if you don’t agree with him. I hired him to help represent my family he just seemed very combative and kept going on about politics as well. As I have no vested interest in politics Democrat or Republican he was obsessed with believing anybody in the republican party deeming them all Nazis. It was very unprofessional and would go on long rants about Donald Trump. He was more interested in doing this and listening to my case. He also was disrespectful to the judge which made it very difficult for me. The outcome of my case was terrible my worst fears. Please do not hire this man he appears to have mental problems.
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04 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Called for quick legal advice. I was surprised at the unprofessionalism and rudeness this attorney displayed. No good.
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29 Nov, 2020 by Carla
I was reunited with my son. My case was definitely not easy but Mr Garcia fought for my family,
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25 Jul, 2017 by Denise p
Mr. Anthony Chris Ekonomides is one of those lawyers who takes money and promises solid legal support but does not check the facts or scrutinize the details. I needed to send a legal letter to my ex-spouse who was not fully cooperating with a Court Order. Mr. Anthony Chris Ekonomides did not study the details of the case and ruined it completely. I lost my case because of his ignorance.
I would never use him again or recommend him to anybody.
Denise
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04 Jul, 2017 by Michelle bryant
Mr. Ekonomides is extremely professional and listens to your story without judgement. He always has your best interest at heart and is straight and to the point. He treats you with the utmost respect and sincerity. He makes you feel like you're his only case even though he has several. As his client, I put my total trust in his hands knowing he will give it his 100%. He is reasonably priced. I highly recommend Anthony Ekonomides in any case. I can not thank him enough for getting me through this difficult point in my life.
Very Respectfully,
Michelle
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27 Jun, 2017 by Laura
Mr. Anthony C. Ekonomides is very dishonest lawyer. In my post-divorce case he has promised me a lot, and achieve almost nothing. He is approaching very aggressive, however there is no any results in Court of his tactics. He just drain money with no practical success. Even my ex-husband who is technical person, easily destroyed our case during Court hearing.
I do not recommend Mr. Anthony C. Ekonomides for any kind of defense or family case.
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11 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
Said everything I needed to hear to get my retainer. Heard from her twice in a year. Apologized that she was giving such poor service and chalked it up to "personal problems", meanwhile, spent the retainer and sent me a bill for more money. Most charges are answering me every other month to find out what is going on. If it didn't happen to me, I'd think this was a joke. She is either unqualified, or cannot manage her workload. Either way, I would avoid at all costs...or the costs will be all to you with nothing but frustration to show for it.
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05 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I was mis-lead time & time again. I was financially & emotionally taken advantage of, and from the minute I signed my name, I was bullied and treated like a moron who didn't matter. Terrible human. Joy Ann Demas, and her office,... they're just HORRIBLE! period. And I had a nightmare experience with Joy, and the firm.
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06 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
I have not received response to emails in a timely manner. When I questioned the bill and lack of communication I was ignored. When I asked her to remove herself from my case I started to get some communication. It was to late at that point. I had to hire a new lawyer.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Poor representation, poor knowledge of Florida law, misrepresented his services. Full of it, took money then quit and lost the case.
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26 Oct, 2021 by Anonymous
He started out ok but since he got most of the case done he quit answering my calls or texts or emails. Made many mistakes on the paperwork that I had to have him fix. Just looking to finish everything and not keep it hanging over our family's head.
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22 Oct, 2020 by Dorothy
Ivan took his fee for a demand letter. We texted and called him for updates and never got a reply until we filed a dispute with credit card company for a refund for lack of services. It took filing the dispute and over 30 days from him actually communicating with us. Worst, he would not call when he said he would. I do not recommend this attorney. After dispute, he finally sent proof that a letter was sent (unprofessionally emailed), he had received a response (still did not communicate what the response was!) from letter, trying to incite parties to go to court on issues a competent attorney could have settled out of court, and no acknowledgement concerning any emails/correspondence sent to him from us UNTIL a dispute was filed. Due to the fee, his hourly rate must be about $1500/hour, because there apparently was not time spend on communicating with his clients, much less time taken to prepare quality and thoughtful case to settle issues without an unneccessary, expensive court case! Worst yet, all he had to do was send proof to credit card company that there was a service rendered. Instead he threatened me and if I did not respond in 24 hours, he was having me prosecuted by the state attorney's office! This was day after he sent the proof that a demand letter had actually been sent. The letter that had been emailed 32 days prior with no communication from him concerning any updates. No we do not recommend him.
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31 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Presents himself as an ex-Judge, but upon further review, he only served a short term as a Judge. Hired him for complicated matters, not divorce. He never disclosed that the matters I hired him for was not his areas of expertise. He took the case and lots of money anyway. He consulted with and subcontracted much of his work to another attorney and charged large fees for both. Long on style and very short on results. Be very cautious. I had great faith in him going in, but after finding real, and effective, attorneys to sort out the mess left by Mr. Carey, I realized how poorly my cases were handled. Hiring him was a huge mistake in my opinion, but I did not realize that until It was much too late. When push came to shove, instead of being tough with the opposing attorneys, when he should have been, he let many opportunities just slip by. Poor attention to important details at court hearings and mediation. Also, like the other reviewer, I felt he was too interested in interacting socially with the opposing, and mediation, attorneys during breaks etc., instead of paying close attention to his clients real and important matters at hand and for which he was hired.
The attorneys hired by me, after Mr. Carey's involvement ended, to help resolve many issues left open by Mr. Carey, were under the opinion that
Mr. Carey was "in over his head" for the matters in the field for which I had hired him. Further, they stated that, in their opinion, he should have never taken on the work given his inexperience in the field of law for which I hired him and for which the legal issues, not divorce issues, demanded. Perhaps he is good at divorce law and should only practice in that field.
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15 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Dear readers, I worked with Mr. Carey on a family law matter and more recently a civil issue. Mr. Carey while a former Judge trying to get a hold of a new career again in representing clients in Family law has a knack for understanding, is forthright and honest as well as using his many years as a judge as a guidepost in his counsel to his clients. Initially however I worried about his court demeanor and his tactics but I am a non-lawyer and the family matter was extremely sensitive...I trusted Kevin and for what I paid he helped me get my life back and this review some 4 years later tells me he was right and correct about everything. I did not take all his advise but I am good. As for the Civil matter he answered my call in the off hours, met with me and took care of my issue and followed up in writing. His fees and costs we about right and relative to the money I spend on legal support - not a bad deal.
I would recommend him for mediation and court...he has gotten his feet wet again now in Family Law and does a ton of listening - your file and work will be given his time and attention and he is a Jesuit Graduate and an real nice man as well as honest. Thanks Kevin
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19 Jun, 2013 by Kenneth
Mr. Carey had mediation with me and my soon to be ex wife and did not assist me in any way - he just brought back all of the other attorneys offers and asked if I wanted to sign. I ended up signing a very vague agreement that left a lot of things unanswered and questionable with regard as to what I would be responsible and not responsible to pay for.
Mr. Carey left me in an adjoining room alone for over an hour - all the while I could hear him joking and laughing with the opposing attorneys.
I fired Mr. Carey shortly after I realized the lack of professionalism or effort he put forth on behalf of me.
I feel Mr. Carey is directly responsible for the poor position I am currently in, and I strongly advise anyone seeking a hard working attorney to go somewhere else where family law is concerned.
I am amazed that there is pretty much nothing I can do to help my own situation as a direct result of Mr. Carey's ineptitude and lack of attention to detail. He actually tried to send me am additional bill for services, and withdrew his bill after I sent him a bullett pointed e-mail on why I do not feel he should be entitled to any further payment. In layman's terms - he sucks as a divorce attorney.
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11 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
This attorney is well versed in procedure only. He repeatedly showed his lack of knowledge of marital law in Florida. His last big mistake has cost me more than $150,000 in efforts to reverse the decision. He has a very offensive style that is a major distraction and is the source of great stress for clients who are already facing difficult situations. He has a knack for saying the wrong thing to clients and then acting with great decorum in court. He is also obsessed with money. I would pay his bill the day I received it and he would be on the phone the next day complaining he had not received payment. He is really a property attorney who has no business practicing family law. He has no sense of strategy and does not even discuss how to win a case. In my case, he started negotiations with some false assumptions about my inevitable liabilities in the case. He gave the ball to the opposition on our ten-yard line.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
