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19 Mar, 2023 by Ashly gonzalez
I just hated my experience with her, very careless it felt like I was bothering her with any call or question I would have, my case went well but there really wasn't a way for it to go wrong. Wouldn’t recommend.
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02 Aug, 2022 by Derf mcdoodle
They don't answer phone calls or emails ... The only thing I got a response from was Facebook messenger until they ghosted me there also.
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07 Jan, 2022 by Jason ulch
For anyone seeking legal representation, I would highly recommend Sarah Anjum. She demonstrated her knowledge of law when I hired her to represent me in an extraordinary case I faced. She always had a quick response to calls and voice-mails. What I appreciated most is that she was willing to fight for me until the very end. Thank you again Sarah.
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29 May, 2024 by Sk young
Laurie Kendall is very nice and understanding. She's not a "bulldog" lawyer and certainly does not have an aggressive approach, however I found that her approach to my situation was probably the best approach there was. She seemed to genuinely want to help, and her prices are fairly reasonable.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jessica resnick
Do not recommend. Happy to be done working with her.
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15 Dec, 2023 by Anthony rowan
I can’t believe nobody has given her a review yet. Julie is amazing I got in a bit of trouble over the last few years and she helped me get record sealed. I feel like she has a fairly healthy relationship with the courts as well which of course makes things easier. Thank you for everything again.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Curtis green
08 Jul, 2024 by Cheyenne rigg
08 Jul, 2024 by Wilma ayala
I highly recommend Jeff Levy. He has been my attorney for 40+ years and has never let me down.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Curtis green
08 Jul, 2024 by Cheyenne rigg
08 Jul, 2024 by Wilma ayala
I highly recommend Jeff Levy. He has been my attorney for 40+ years and has never let me down.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Curtis green
08 Jul, 2024 by Cheyenne rigg
08 Jul, 2024 by Wilma ayala
I highly recommend Jeff Levy. He has been my attorney for 40+ years and has never let me down.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Chucky barto
Only gave them a 2 star because I used Amanda Coyle and she was Amazing in my first child support case. Mr. Restivo on the other hand laid an egg! We came up with a game plan in court and completely ignored it and argued everything he said wouldn’t make a difference. Couldn’t even get me an 10% deviation with an 210 day overnight custody order. Amanda Coyle or no one in my opinion at this firm.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Douglas sturt
16 May, 2024 by Andrew price
Food was really good, good service and a clean place.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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13 May, 2024 by Nxtl pro
17 Aug, 2024 by Chucky barto
Only gave them a 2 star because I used Amanda Coyle and she was Amazing in my first child support case. Mr. Restivo on the other hand laid an egg! We came up with a game plan in court and completely ignored it and argued everything he said wouldn’t make a difference. Couldn’t even get me an 10% deviation with an 210 day overnight custody order. Amanda Coyle or no one in my opinion at this firm.
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01 Jun, 2024 by Douglas sturt
16 May, 2024 by Andrew price
Food was really good, good service and a clean place.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Shortleggs358
Great lawyer, listen to you, and get the job done. He is the best
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18 Mar, 2024 by Adam golday
18 Mar, 2024 by Aric salyers
A+++++
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4.0
8 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
15 Dec, 2023 by Anthony rowan
I can’t believe nobody has given her a review yet. Julie is amazing I got in a bit of trouble over the last few years and she helped me get record sealed. I feel like she has a fairly healthy relationship with the courts as well which of course makes things easier. Thank you for everything again.
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11 Mar, 2022 by Mike
Never answers calls or emails. Now on month 4 of putting together a fully agreed upon dissolution agreement. Completely inept.
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15 Apr, 2021 by Kerrie
Seneca was amazing from the first time I walked in her office in 2017. The lawyer I had before her messed my case up in the beginning of my divorce and then disappeared. Seneca helped me straighten things out and get back on track. She is hard working, a fighter and patient. I'd recommend her to anyone!! She helped me through my divorce and many other things.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jackie rasmussen
Beautiful building inside, very nice people, only a few minutes wait to be seen. Attorneys very nice. I guess we will just have to let it play out and see what happens.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Debby maras
14 Aug, 2023 by Wyen koan
31 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
I LOVE BRIAN HIZER HE HAS SAVED MY LIFE I WAS ABOUT TO BE RUINED I WAS ABOUT TO GO BANKRUPT BECAUSE I BOUGHT A TESLA ON CREDIT CARD AND WAS CRIPPLED WITH DEABT LUCKILY BRIAN CAME IN CLUTCH LIKE TOM BRADY AT THE SUPERBOWL THANKS BRIAN
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15 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Starting off , was very good. I really thought he had my back, and best interest of my situation. But now that I have learned what I should of and should not of settled for. It makes me mad. I wanted to go to full trial. He was not having it unless I paid way more money, so had no choice but to settle. Learning now things should of been in my divorce papers that wasn’t.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Jackie rasmussen
Beautiful building inside, very nice people, only a few minutes wait to be seen. Attorneys very nice. I guess we will just have to let it play out and see what happens.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Debby maras
14 Aug, 2023 by Wyen koan
13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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13 May, 2024 by Nxtl pro
03 Nov, 2021 by Darlene ernsberger
Mr. Shook WAS kind, caring and patient. I would have recommended him to anyone needing help. Now I've been asking him for over 2 mos to help me follow up with my previous case, (I believe it is simple) and for 6 mos to help to help to finish [my Final Wishes paperwork, DNR orders and my WILL which we began together, when I need help, and he just disappeared !i CANNOT GET A RETURN call or even a text when I really need his assistance with a previous case, and he has my MOST IIMPORTANT paper work! I will respond to this positively WHENEVER HE DOES!! I do not know Why I am being ignored my bill was paid at the time in full. And as good and helpful as he once was, Now I am feeling neglected and unimportant on 2 issues. I even delivered personally a hand written hand delivered letter to his office in Toledo begging him to PLEASE contact me because of the urgency and still no reply. WHY????
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15 Feb, 2018 by Albert
David is a amazing lawyer and he truly cares about his clients. He helps us get our daughter out of a harmful environment. We are beyond grateful to him.
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11 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
He is a good attorney. He tends to not be much on the aggressive side. I would still recommend him. I have paid him good money, and offering to pay more for a divorce. He tends to buy into the opposition's games.
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13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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13 May, 2024 by Nxtl pro
13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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13 May, 2024 by Nxtl pro
13 Sep, 2024 by Chuck hainy
Mr. Simpson is the best is not one of. He is clear concise and gets to the point. Definitely a no B S. kinda of atty and I'm glad he doesn't give off a feeling of him being better than his clients
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03 Jul, 2024 by Anthony c.
Mrs. Haberland went above and beyond to help me in a Child Support case. She was very honest and very professional and because of her expertise, everything came out fair and square the way it should have. I highly recommend her to anybody, especially your fathers out there who have struggled with an unbalanced system.
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13 May, 2024 by Nxtl pro
26 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I contacted this attorney in regards to Social Security via her website. She did call me at the number I provided while I was away. However, when I returned her phone she did not answer the phone and then when I left a message on her voicemail she did not return the voicemail.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Jeffrey
I had the privilege of having an extraordinary child custody lawyer who surpassed all expectations. Her impeccable professionalism and unwavering commitment to my case were truly commendable. From being consistently punctual to keeping me informed every step of the way, she ensured that I felt supported and well-informed throughout the entire process. Her expertise and dedication made the entire experience not only bearable but surprisingly wonderful. I couldn't be happier with the outstanding job she did, and I am grateful for the positive impact she had on such a crucial aspect of my life.
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22 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Thank you so much. You are amazing. I had a divorce case. She fought for me and got me exactly what I wanted after his lawyer was being a jerk.
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17 May, 2022 by George
we are out of state and hired doug to sue someone who owed us money. he's lazy. he's literarily a paper pusher. just passed along information from the other attorney to us. no explanation what it means. no regard for our point and intentions. he kept urging us to settle and not to go to the next step. every 2 weeks i had to remember to send him an email to ask "what's up? any news?" then he'd take time to say "no". that's it. that's what you get with Doug. unmotivated.
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28 Mar, 2021 by Michael
Lazy, unmotivated, disrespectful. Took 40+ formal request to respond to time sensitive action matters. Willfully negligent expressed zero interest in representing his client/ clients interest. Will tell anybody everybody what they want to hear to so long as he gets to send you a bill. Terrible representation in court appearances for my interest had mental health breakdown at sentencing could not speak mumbled jargon that the room could not understand. Requires a lot of repeating & explaining. Will blow you off not respond to time sensitive matters. Will wait until it is too late to act. Every angle everything a good lawyer should do Doug failed to do over & over & over & over. Only layer our family has ever had to fire. Terrible work ethic lied to the court lies to his clients. If you wana get played.:.. Hire Doug Wilkins
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08 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Wilkins a year ago to handle my divorce. He is definitely a cut to the chase kind of person. He is very informative through e-mails and phone calls. Everything was done in a timely matter!
I also recommended him to a friend, that he represented as well. I will keep him in business through other people:-)
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18 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
If you find yourself in a legal situation and are asking yourself, what do I do now? The answer is call and hire Mark Davis for legal representation. I was arrested with 10 Percocet pills in Toledo, interrogated by a detective and was facing a felony drug charge. For weeks I was nervous, scared, frantic about what would happen, until I contacted Mark Davis who was willing to meet with me on a Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Mark I somehow walked out of the courtroom a few months later with a $150 fine and was done. Mark explains and communicates your case to you with his best knowledge of the legal facts associated. He does not just tell you everything will be OK but explains using his best legal knowledge, possible outcomes in a way that keeps your stress level low. I see people talk about Marks ego. I put my trust in the Law office of Mark Davis for an OVI charge as well. I had two priors, and was offered a minor misdemeanor from the prosecutor which I thought hard about taking. I wouldn't say Mark used his ego in recommending I take my case to trial, but instead used his legal knowledge of helping me make the best decision based on legal FACTS. Due to the trust I have in Mark I was found NOT GUILTY through a trial by jury in Maumee. I have never seen such professional conduct. Mark is a very well respected attorney throughout the court systems in Maumee and Toledo. The Law Office of Mark Davis is the best there is, and he is the only attorney I would recommend to any close friends or family needing legal representation.
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10 Jul, 2017 by Scott geiger
He unforfeited my car and kept me out. He answered his phone with all of my many questions. He's out to do the very best for all of his clients.
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07 Dec, 2016 by Matthew
Knowledge of the law and constitution, caring to your specific needs ,know his way around the court, I would definitely use his skills again,Great service from Mark Davis! 5 Stars!!!@!
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21 Feb, 2019 by Lisa
Top notch. I was in some serious trouble with a dui and Jonathan was awesome ! Highly recommend!
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28 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Recently hired Jonathan on a Criminal matter. He has excellent relationships with his peers and it showed in my case and in the courtroom. I was in real trouble and Jonathan negotiated a settlement above and beyond what I probably should have received. I would recommend him to everyone and would definitely use him again (although I hope I don’t have to!).
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15 Mar, 2018 by Ririthequeen_ ps4
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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15 Aug, 2023 by Erica
Don’t Hire he never helped me I kept asking and asking but all he did was went along with what everyone else wanted and made me lose 3 of my kids and their not even together he don’t care bout helping he just cares bout money. I suggest don’t hire I went through coinciding parent aid everything and he didn’t keep up with nothing
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22 Jun, 2022 by Bardwell
Jeff is good for nothing! Arrogant, idiot! I’m telling you, run as far from this office as you can.
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13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
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16 Mar, 2023 by Exploreoncemore
13 Sep, 2024 by T balla
THE WOMAN THAT AMSWER THE PHONE ARE COMPLETELY RUDE JUST KEPT TALKING OVER ME AND THE 1ST LADY HUNG THE PHONE UP ON ME I WILL GO THERE TO HANDLE MY BUSINESS YOU DONT LIKE YOUR JOB QUIT STOP BEING MISERABLE 💯
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14 Aug, 2024 by Tamela barringer
The legal aid lawyer ( Sarah) performance was unsatisfactory. She did not carefully examine the documentation and information shared with her via email. In court, she displayed inadequate preparation and initially seemed to represent me, but later switched allegiances. Had I known she would not provide adequate representation, I could have handled the matter personally, using the information at my disposal. The lawyer did not work in favor of my family's interests.
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16 Mar, 2023 by Exploreoncemore
12 Aug, 2021 by Desiree
This firm was a joke, started out with Attorny and was passed off to Patty. What was supposed to be a simple cut and dry average 10,000$ divorce turned into a circus show and 30,000$ dollars. When I try and negotiate a settlement that she said they would do, I am never given a settlement price option. Absolutely rediculous that I was even charged 30,000 dollars for a basic divorce to begin with!!
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07 Apr, 2020 by Sarah
I had a phone consultation with Patricia that was very helpful. I appreciated her knowledge of my situation, her sound guidance, and her timely reply to my call for advice.
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26 Mar, 2018 by Melyssa
Patricia Kurt is nothing less than a professional. She was very attentive to the uniqueness of my case. Would recommend her for any of your family court needs. She and her team did an excellent job keeping all things pertaining to my case organized and timely. Could not have asked for better representation!
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19 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Hired Jerry for various cases. Bankruptcy was done, and very thorough. Other cases were handled well! He is down to earth and will tell you if you have a case or not. May not be what you want to hear, but he is honest and gives realistic expectations based on experience. Staff is very kind and will take time to answer your questions.
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07 May, 2018 by Anonymous
I hired Jerry for a child support matter which he could seem to get past the requirements of Juvenile Court to even have a hearing.
Jerry’s secretary should be the Attorney she does all the work, answers all the questions and runs the office as well. All Jerry does is appear in court and from what I heard is clueless in the courtroom.
A do not hire!
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05 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
I just don’t understand how you take full custody from a mother that has never not provided for her children and give custody too the father that has open sexual abuse allegations against him with a Child he raised since 6 and baffles me even more that the 6 year old daughter witnessed her sister getting touched and is in his custody full time now. and the saddest thing and I pray for those kids and I pray for how you could even think this is okay. Shame!!!
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10 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Went beyond the expectations of an attorney! I can never thank Mrs.Dooley enough for all that she has done for me. Mrs.Dooley drove me with police cruisers to get my children out of my abusers' home. She helped me retrieve my belongings from my property in a U haul with police escorts. She did't have to do any of that! She put herself in danger for me and I cant thank her enough!
Mayna
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20 Aug, 2021 by Kim
Refused to take time to prepare my case and tried to just wing it. Yelled at me outside of the courtroom that the judge wasn’t going to rule in my favor and might as well get it out of my head. She was socializing and laughing it up with the other party in the hall while I sat by myself going through the hardest time of my life.
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25 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Juvenile problem, Ann was a super attorney. She explained everything very clearly to my son. He knew what was going on and why. She was very knowledgeable and very accessible. I would recommend her for any juvenile problem.
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02 Aug, 2021 by Holly
Watch everything! Especially falsified and reused copies of certified mail.
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26 Jul, 2016 by Frank
I hired Mr. Karcher after meeting him for 30 minutes. He knew what I wanted. It was a strange case that went of the records over 30 years ago. He was always there for me took my call returned them in a timely matter. Mr. Karcher worked very hard on my case had all of the back up information that was needed to win. Mr. Karcher won my case hands down. I couldn't of asked for a better lawyer then Mr. Karcher.
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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.
