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24 Jan, 2025 by Matt luettke
I highly recommend the Sczesny Law Firm! Top notch legal representation and very easy to work with.
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21 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer ruziscka
Prior to selecting an attorney to handle my divorce, I sought recommendations and did some research, and I am confident I found the best representation in Dan. As I was extremely unfamiliar with the process, knowing very few people with personal experiences of their own, Dan was thorough in his explanation of options, costs, and possible outcomes. I always felt he not only had my best interest in mind, but also he made the best use of the time he spent on my case. Although my case contained some unique and complicated circumstances, Dan attended to each matter effectively and efficiently. Believing, by far, he is the finest attorney in this area to handle such cases, I highly recommend his services to anyone needing them.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Delaney evelo
Dan helped me navigate a very nasty situation with complete confidence every step of the way. He and Sandra are incredible! If you are looking for someone to handle your case with professionalism and to make you feel at ease, you’ve found the right place.
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11 Sep, 2023 by Mariln and bob
My husband and I hired Scott to creat trust accounts for us. He did an excellent job. We were both impressed by his knowledge base of family law, in conjunction with his compassionate personality . Scott answered all of our questions. He was able to convey recommendations in an easy to understand way for us as lay people. We will definitely continue to retain Scott for any future legal matters, and we can't say enough good about him.
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01 Jul, 2023 by Renee in fort myers fl
This man has vast knowledge - if you need an attorney talk to Scott, see what he has to say ... chances are real good, you'll be glad you did. He did not help me as a bankruptcy lawyer, he helped with me with a very different issue that took place 16 years ago.
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24 Jan, 2023 by Mike vargyas
12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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09 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
I thought from the beginning that my case was just to complicated . My son passed away a few yes ago .. I went from having custody to a botched court hearing with another attorney, which caused me to end up with visitation. Over the
following year things went well, that is until the moms boyfriend interfered and I ended up missing Months of seeing my sons children (my gkids whom I practically raised since they were born) .. So I went to look for Another Attorney. I found Michael Bryant and he put me at ease and promised that he’d get this taken care of .. which HE DID!!!
Michael understood everything from the start ! Was Bery knowledgeable , honest , trustworthy from the start . If you want an attorney with the Best Outcome I’d definitely hire him !! His whole staff is also great to work with .,
If I Ever need his services again I Definitely will give him a shout :)
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19 Dec, 2024 by Matthew
Michael was fantastic. Whenever I had questions, he was always sure to give me an answer. Whenever something new would come up, he had a way to navigate it. I never felt pressured in any scenario and he got me everything I needed or asked for.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Gina
Michael was my second attorney with a custody case my case lasted almost 2 years and was probably one of the worst experiences of my life. I did a lot of research to look for an attorney when my current one was not representing me And my daughter, the way I sold an attorney should. I consulted with Michael after reading reviews and hired him after the initial consultation. I will say Michael is very straightforward. He will tell you exactly how it is with no sugarcoating. He will probably make you mad because he pissed me off many many times but it was because he knows what he is talking about and he either, wanted to prepare me for what was coming or he knew the direction that I was going to was going to lead to a fail in my case. I was facing pretty much my daughters dad getting 50-50 custody with me and everything split down the middle that was looking at the best outcome and to me and my daughter that would be devastating. My daughters, dad and his attorney made me look like a monster, a dramatic, crazy monster. It was a horrible two years of him, badgering me, and trying to gaslight me in word, twisting and threats but somehow I look like the reasonable one and really thought that it was a possibility I could lose custody of my daughter ended up going to a trial that lasted a day and a half and end up I got full custody. I got full medical he does have visitations not 50% but not the one day week every other weekend. I am very happy with the outcome, my daughter‘s dad and his attorney whole case was how horrible , I am or Michael focused his whole case on what was best for my daughter what would be the best for her? Michael put my daughters interest, happiness, well-being and we won the case. I am very great full for Micheal and his staff for not only helping me through this difficult time and working hard to get me a good outcome, but for putting up with me for two years, I am not the easiest person to deal with I can be very dramatic, especially when it comes to my child. I really wouldn’t say that I had a downside to my experience with Michael and his team except maybe sometimes his staff would not respond to emails or phone calls as quickly as I would have liked them too, but I’m not the only client I Know that. For the trial, I feel like Michael prepared me very well. I thought he argued his case extremely well and the outcome shows that so if you were looking for custody divorce, any kind of family law I highly recommend Michael
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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16 May, 2024 by Andrew price
Food was really good, good service and a clean place.
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07 Oct, 2023 by Anonymous
I spoke with Amanda over the phone twice, once in 2020 and another time in 2021 for a consultation. During the first conversation, I didn't have any issues, it went how I would expect any consultation would go. The second time I spoke with her, she greatly discounted my situation and asked why I kept bringing up the issues I had with my wife, basically saying that since she wasn't a drug addict or alcoholic, I would get split custody with her and not to fight it. Fast forward two years and she was entirely wrong and I'm so glad that I didn't hire her. In my opinion she, didn't have the experience or understanding of the complicated situation I was in and thinks she's smarter than she really is. Hopefully she has the patience to take complicated cases like mine in the future and can learn from senior attorneys how to navigate through those cases as opposed to taking easier ones. In my opinion, there's plenty attorney's that can do just what she can do without charging you such high rates. Not impressed at all.
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24 May, 2023 by Diane russell
Margaret is so nice and very thorough. I have every confidence in her. She really knows how to get things done. I was very impressed by her and have referred multiple people to her.
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30 May, 2024 by Aziza niwash
Linda is a great woman she’s help me every time when I need the Money is not her biggest concern, but help and success are what she aspires to
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07 May, 2024 by Pelagie tantan
I will first of all thank Linda for helping me get my citizenship. I almost gave up but with her resilient and hard work, always available and ready to answer my questions at any time of the day. she made everything happen when I least expected. Will be going to her with any issues i have. Highly recommend her for you.
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07 Apr, 2024 by David talmage
She was very helpful with getting the divorce completed. She let me know what steps were needed, on my part, to be taken for this process to be completed. The cost was very reasonable.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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12 Jan, 2025 by Donaimee r
Would NEVER EVER recommend. Being our first time every needing a attorney and referred to her. Yea she in fact made our situation worse for our loved one and now have a reputable attorney who is saying she in fact screwed our loved one over by having them agree to certain things they never should have cause NO PROOF!! DO NOT USE UNLESS want worse case scenario for your loved one.
It won't let me leave 0 stars as she isn't even a one star in our families eyes.
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09 Jan, 2025 by Littlestar3311
Received advice, and I'm very grateful. Honest and trustworthy legal team here. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me an avenue when I called concerning my car. Appreciate the time you took to help me.
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04 Sep, 2024 by Jordan austin
I've been with denny for over 15 years he is honest and his loyalty is with you and will stand up for you when no one else will stand next to you 5 star lawyer's he built a generation of dedicated lawyer's I trust his sons just as I trust him... real lawyer's for real life problems Thank you to Sawan & Sawan
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28 Dec, 2024 by Thomas cousino
I cannot say enough about the representation that Brian Morrissey gave me! He is truly an outstanding attorney that will help you with the utmost curtesy and professionalism. Please consider him for any of your legal needs!!
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21 Dec, 2024 by Funylee
22 Nov, 2024 by Jennifer brothers
We knew we made the right decision as soon as we retained Mr. Boerst. His knowledge, experience, integrity and confidence left us very reassured. We got an outcome better than we had hoped. He makes himself available to answer questions, truly cares about his clients and is one of the most professional persons in the area. I would not hesitate to contact him if you are in need of legal services. He is exceptional and a class act.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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20 Oct, 2024 by Anthony lubinski
This company really looks out for you great communication through out the entire process even after the decision came in they have been there for me. I would highly recommend them for sure thank you very much for your hard work and dedication to me
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13 Oct, 2024 by Cierra b
Made the entire experience easy. Always quick to respond to any questions or needs. Promptly followed up with me to inform me of what was going on. Couldn’t be happier with the experience I had.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Cindy null
Thank you for taking on my case
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04 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Ahmad for a heavy traffic ticket that could have lost me my license. He was able to get two accounts of reckless operation dropped and I only had to take the bargain and plea guilty to failure to use turn signal.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Moe
I hardly leave reviews but I feel compelled to leave this review for others to benefit from it. I contested a traffic ticket and hired Ahmed as my attorney. He explained everything in plain English to me given my little to no knowledge of the legal basics. To make it short, the judge ended up dropping the case. NO POINTS, NO FINE. NO COURT FEE. A very fine attorney and a human being. A true God sent for me!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I engaged in Ahmad Kassem's services for a multiple single-family-home investment transaction. He thoroughly reviewed my agreement, advised me on the options along with their pros and cons, and ultimately allowed me to make a more informed decision on the path forward. As a plus, I was also advised on selection of title companies to best protect myself throughout the transaction. The verbal communication skills and promptness were outstanding.
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15 Dec, 2021 by Allan
He will work for you....he is on your side.
He will talk to you on your level.
Worked very hard for me.
Easy to talk to and understand
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07 Mar, 2020 by Tonya
Mr. Zeiger was marvelous and quick to handle my divorce case. He was fair and honest and guided me well during the entire process. He answered all my questions and also educated me on what the legal lingo meant. I recommend Mr. Zeiger to handle any case within his area of expertise.
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17 Aug, 2018 by Anonymous
My divorce turned into a nightmare. My ex fought us on absolutely everything, refused to provide court ordered documentation, just made it extremely difficult. Mr. Zeiger was honest about what was/wasn't worth a fight. From his experience he already knew what the outcome would be. He fought hard for what was right, didn't let the lack of cooperation from the other side detour him. He found ways to gather the necessary documentation without their assistance. In the end the settlements were fair and I didn't have any regrets about the decisions we made and how it was all handled.
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08 Apr, 2018 by Anonymous
I needed a legal representative for a Civil Order of Protection due to a Domestic Violence situation back in 2008. Mr. Goodwin was compassionate and caring throught the process of putting our case together, and attentive, sharp and assertive in getting me the CPO; he made sure I was as at ease as possible, and well protected during one of the most stressful times in my life. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
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01 Sep, 2017 by Krys
If it were not for him I don't know where I'd be today. He goes above and beyond for his clients. He saved my life and the life of my children. Thank you so much
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22 Jan, 2015 by Amber
I found Mr. Goodwin to be extremely compassionate and knowledgable. He treats clients with the upmost respect and was very friendly. When u have questions pertaining to your case, he does get back with you quickly. I would most definitely recommend him!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Daniel gearing
I wouldn't use him again told me it would cost 5000$ to go to trial for full custody of my daughter . 2 court dates"1-2hr" and a hearing over phone"1 hr" settled for joint custody and all 5000$ is gone.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Jennifer eitniear
if your looking for the absolute best attorney , that is well renown in all courtrooms as well as highly favored by our judges and magistrates , you have found "The Best" in the area and arena...
remember though , you get what you pay for and really his retainers are on par with other attorneys with less experience, and not so favored in courtrooms.
do yourself a favor and retain this guy!
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08 Jul, 2024 by Larry white
I have found Jeff to be a very competent attorney. I would highly recommend Jeff Levy to anyone seeking the advice of a Lawyer.
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22 Mar, 2024 by 4~ever grateful!
Kurt W. Bruderly from Toledo is the sharpest attorney I have ever me!
Kurt is an amazing guy both personally and professionally.
HE IS STRONG, AGGRESSIVE & EXPERIENCED!
Kurt places the client first and he provides aggressive, no nonsense, quality legal representation at an affordable price. He aggressively protects the interests of his clients. He is super personable and always a pleasure to work with... Communication was always prompt, informative and clear. I never had any trouble with getting a hold of him. He is creative, assertive and driven. Kurt is confident yet humble ,and he seems to possess a certain amount of swagger.
I was comfortable discussing sensitive matters with him because he has this knack of putting you at ease. He's the best you can get in my opinion. I am convinced that nobody else could have gotten the same results for me!
If your back is against the wall and the whole world is against you... Then you want KURT W. BRUDERLY on your side...
He made the difference for me...
I am convinced that nobody else could have gotten the same results.
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09 Dec, 2018 by Melissa
Kurt worked with a sense of urgency on my case, and was also able to explain the legal process to me with clarity and patience. He made an extremely emotional and stressful time more manageable, and I really felt like he cared. I would recommend him to friends and family who need a criminal defense attorney.
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22 Oct, 2016 by Araya
I was referred to Steve by the victims of crime program when I filed for a protection order. Steve is very professional and genuinely kind. He has been with me through every phase of this emotional and confusing court process. He has been a strong advocate for me and has worked selflessly to see my case through to the end.
There are a lot of crooked attorneys out there, but Steve is not one of them. My case should have been pretty cut and dry, but even when the opposition tried to make it seem a little more gray, Steve handled this case with poise and sensitivity to the subject. I could not have asked for a better attorney to represent me.
With Steve in my corner, the protection order was granted and I feel a lot safer because of his guidance. He's made my scary situation a lot less frightening.
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22 Oct, 2016 by Isaac
I decided to hire Stephen Szuch because I believed he would actually go up to bat for me and help me fight for my rights as a father. In todays society with all the negligent so called men who run around and knock up females then aren't interested in even acknowledging let alone being held responsible for their actions, most parenting rights are just given to the birthing mother. It becomes an uphill battle for a man who actually wants to raise his son if the mother of his son would rather not be a family. This is why I hired Stephen.
Being a father is one of the most important things a man can do with his life and just because my sons mother didn't want to be a family with me, I refused to just let her run the show and try to tell me how my son would be raised. I took a proactive approach and took her to court.
Doing so is proving to be well worth it because I no longer have to fall in line with my sons mothers' actions. I have my rights established through the court of law. Unfortunately this step needs to be taken because many women out here who have evil mentalities want to kick the man to the curb and get the government to raise their children through "FREE MONEY" as I call it. The system is being perverted by those who have a "dog eat dog" mind frame.
After hiring Stephen he was always on point in getting back to me and advising me throughout the case. He was very diligent with his work and wasn't afraid to put the necessary leg work in to getting a proper end result. He wrote up numerous drafts in a timely manner and was excellent at networking with me and others throughout. I have joint custody and school residency. He understood how important it was for me to have these things because I want to give my son the best shot at being prosperous in this world by building bridges rather than burning them and "Getting Over" and to teach him to treat people in a respectful and proper manner. I strongly recommend him for anyone who would like to obtain proper parenting rights.
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11 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
I met with Chad for a consultation and was extremely happy with our visit. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in his field. I would definitely recommend Chad to any family, friends, or colleagues. His laid back approach is very welcoming and being able to make decisions on your own time is a breath of fresh air.
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03 Dec, 2014 by R. seth
I have worked with Mr. Huber several time and have been impressed each time at the breadth and depth of his legal acumen. I have recommended him to friends, colleagues and clients with confidence.
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22 Nov, 2019 by Stephanie
Rebecca is very professional and highly regarded. She showed character and was very knowledgeable. The documents she drafted up were above expectations. She is very good at her job.
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15 Apr, 2016 by Troy
I was involved in a car crash where the other party did not want to pay for the damages to my car. I did not have a police report and was very frustrated with the whole situation. When it came time for me to suggest legal action against the other party, I went to Kelly because I was a student at the University of Toledo.
From the very start I liked Kelly. She listened to my story regarding all of the bizarre excuses given by the other party and then gave me some advice. She was very informative, explaining to me why I should ALWAYS get a police report and suggesting that I see a doctor because there could be underlying injuries that could manifest after I received payment. She then gave me a few options as to how we could proceed with the situation.
In the end, thanks to Kelly's work and guidance I did receive a fair payment for the damages done to my car. Throughout the whole experience I felt that she had my back, was willing to answer any questions that I had, and had a very good balance between offering me legal advice but still allowing me to call the shots. My only complaint is that communication between the office and I was pretty slow and done primarily via mail. With this being said, I still think that Kelly did a fantastic job with my case and the outcome could not have been better.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Chuck s.
Jeffrey P. Nunnari has served as my attorney of record in pending child support and custody litigation since early 2022 and is representing me presently in the same capacity. To his credit, despite being faced with an unfavorable and highly contentious environment in the courts, Mr. Nunnari's superb legal counsel has produced outcomes that have proven to be beneficial to both me and my children.
Mr. Nunnari's demeanor is both professional and highly personable making his approach both analytical and a source of comfort to the client experiencing what is most often a very unpleasant situation. He is intelligent, profoundly insightful, and demonstrates a comprehensive technical understanding of the issues relevant to the case.
Based upon my past and current experience with him, I can recommend Mr. Nunnari's services without any reservation whatsoever.
If you are in the midst of a difficult legal challenge, Mr. Nunnari should be your first phone call.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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18 Mar, 2024 by Steven
Stevin Groth is a great experienced lawyer. He is easy to talk to and always got back to me about my questions in a timely manner. I give him and his team 5/5 stars and would definitely recommend hiring him as your defense attorney. I was very happy with my outcome for my case. 👍👍
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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19 Dec, 2024 by Matt bowland
Michael was fantastic. Whenever I had questions, he was always sure to give me an answer. Whenever something new would come up, he had a way to navigate it. I never felt pressured in any scenario and he got me everything I needed or asked for.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Susan weaver
Everyone here was very helpful. Action taken was handles swiftly. I worked with Blanca Wheeler. She was great!! Took care of business and myself. I appreciate her kindness and business like manner. I had very good results because of her hard work.
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11 Oct, 2024 by Eddie tucker
Mr. Bruderly carries himself with such confidence and knowledge that it alone will help put you at ease. He’s honest and would never make something sound better than it is. I’ve dealt with many attorneys over the years, and one thing I can say for certain is that if I were ever to pursue such a profession, I would hope to be half as good as Kurt.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Thundah
27 Dec, 2024 by Luna thornton
Incredible staff!!
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11 Dec, 2024 by Lynzie tansel
Great communication on updates and information and always staying on top of things really caring about the client
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26 Sep, 2024 by Marcos ortiz
he is one of the best there in Toledo.....
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27 Aug, 2024 by John berry
Larry very helpful and great don't hesitate and call him great guy to work with
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01 Mar, 2024 by Chris
Gretchen was 100 percent on my side from the minute we met! I was wrongfully accused of 2 major felonies and could have been put in prison for a long time! Gretchen went above and beyond what a public defender would ever do! She stayed in contact with my family and friends to keep me updated while I was behind bars! She is awesome and when my charges were dismissed I felt the right of the world was off my shoulders she is excellent lawyer and I appreciate her hard work and I think she should get a medal for what she did for me!
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
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What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
