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30 Jan, 2024 by Jimmy
Natalie achieved all the goals we needed to meet. She was very caring, making sure to fully explain the outcomes of my case, but was also very professional through out the whole process. There are not very many attorneys that answer you phone calls after a certain time. Natalie answered my calls even when the office was closed. She was dedicated to making sure i was satisfied with the her services, and even followed up after it was all over. In Natalie i have not only an attorney but a long time friend.
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02 Oct, 2023 by Ariadna
Nathalie Fletcher is a great attorney. She was there when I needed her. She and her team are professional and really care about her clients. Nathalie Fletcher has the qualities of a good lawyer. She is responsive. She has great analytical, research, speaking and listening skills. And the most important is that she is a very diligent and understands what her clients really need. If you need a trustworthy lawyer Nathalie Fletcher is the one.
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14 Aug, 2023 by Jason
After calling several lawyers and getting no responses back I began to pray for God to show me the right way to go. Shortly after praying I found Natalie's website and made a call. We talked for about an hour. I could feel that God had led me to her. She listened attentively to my situation and responded with indepth explanations of how we could proceed. She was considerate of my financial situation and showed a genuine interest in helping me reach my desired outcome. It was apparent from our many conversations that followed that Natalie was an expert in her field and was invested in my case. Natalie stood strong and confident in front of the judge. We walked out of there with a smile on our faces and peace in our hearts knowing that God had sent Natalie to our aid in out time of need. She continues to this day to follow up on our case and her work never ceases. Natalie is ever present in my prayers. I call her my lawyer but most of all I call her my friend. Five stars are just not enough for this amazing woman so I will give her ten!**********
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07 Feb, 2018 by Rick
Beau Sinclair was hired because he cared. Caring begat simplicity to sort through facts, thus softening the hardness of heart to encourage the separating from marital end to the separate, with joint efforts for the growth of children. The blessings of few complexities was to the experience of Beau. Because of his natural ability, our case enabled growth and prosperity. Joyful and in appreciation for his time and attention in concerns of our matter.... in gratitude..... highly recommended,
Thank You, Beau Sinclair
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03 Feb, 2018 by Dana
Mister Sinclair was prompt, well researched and experienced.
We were in a bit of a tricky place and he was able to assist us with prompt and effective legal council which ultimately resulted in a desirable outcome. We appreciate Mr. Sinclair and his team of professionals and would surely seek to work with them again should the need arise.
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23 Dec, 2017 by Walter
Beau and his staff were very professional throughout our lengthy case. They gave me not only good legal advice but also much appreciated emotional support. They guided me through the process with patience and understanding, providing wisdom and encouragement along the way. Beau is very knowledgeable and excellent in court. I highly recommend he and his staff and will personally use them again should the need arise.
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5.0
6 Reviews
5.0
4 Reviews
14 Apr, 2022 by Heather lynne johnson
Looking forward to meeting you! Jeff Wood has referred me to you
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18 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Estrada handled a matter on short notice for me. He was very knowledgeable, and informative. I appreciate his attentiveness to the matter and would highly recommend him!
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04 May, 2021 by Neal duncan
17 Oct, 2017 by Lisa
We cannot say enough good things about Mr. Carter. He handled an adoption for us and the children loved him. Actually, he was appointed by the 321st District Court to represent our children. He met with them and really listened to what they had to say. My daughter still tells people she has her own attorney:) Anyway, Mr. Carter was prompt, caring and thorough. He is also very smart. He pointed some things out to us we had not thought about. He came out to our house and then brought a gift to the children on adoption day. JAMES CARTER could not have made that day any more special. Thank you Mr. Carter for caring so much for our children!
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15 Dec, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Carter to remove a child that was not my son’s child from his child support responsibility and to have money that was paid directly to my son’s ex-wife removed from the arrears on his child support (we had the signed Affidavits of Direct Payment). Mr. Carter appears to have a good working relationship with the AG’s Office and he and his assistant, Sarah Harris, did an excellent job with resolving the issues. I would highly recommend him to anyone who has issues in Family Court in Smith County
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23 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Carter for a custody case involving my grandchildren and their mother. Even though Mr. Carter could have went in with "guns blazing" with all of the evidence we had, he handled our case in such a way that we are now able to have our grandchildren live with us AND continue to have a relationship with our daughter. We thought we would have to choose one or the other, but he genuinely cared about our family and was able to keep it together. We can't thank Mr. Carter enough for all of the things he did for us.
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19 Jun, 2021 by James
Got a great insight regarding my issue with my HOA through a phone consult with Mr Healy. Mr. Healy typically work for HOA's, but with me being on the other side it gave me great insight into what the HOA is also trying to do when in a dispute with residents. He also provided great insight into some of the facts of my case and the legal ramifications. Although I did not hire him due to the immediacy of may case and geographic proximity, I found him honest and highly knowledgeable regarding situations similar to mine.
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10 Dec, 2020 by Alice
Took on a civil issue for me and walked me through the law and the legal process. Impressive! Plus we were successful I'd recommend Sean Healy to anyone in East Texas in need of legal advice or help especially in a civil case
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03 May, 2012 by Anonymous
Sean did an outstanding job representing me in family court. He knows the law and is very professional. His staff is also very helpful and promt with communication. I highly recommend this attorney!
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18 Mar, 2022 by Bj & reene
doing a will is really a hard thing to figure out . mr Jensen made it simple and was one nicest guys i have met in a long time. very informative we learned so much, if you are in need of his services you could not do any better.
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04 Mar, 2021 by Antares
We hired Mr. Jensen as our attorney in a civil case against our past landlord who would not return out deposits after moving out. Not only did we win the case thanks to him, but he was also able to collect the moment allotted to us in the settlement! Even after court she was fighting to pay and us what we were owed but he managed to get the money.
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07 Feb, 2013 by Karen
With nothing illegal in my background of fifty (50) years and a sudden case making no progress, Eric Jensen was the only attorney to answer my plea. I wanted someone out of my county, did not know him but we met at his office on Sunday afternoon. It had been seven (7) horrible months since I had gotten a Class A Misdemeanor. An additional charge, not included in the arrest had been added six (6) months later. Meeting with Eric on Sunday afternoon put us in the adjoining county court that next morning and the matters were settled due to his exceptional ability to present. Mr. Jensen also represented me in a divorce case two years later where I was the defendant. Representing me for what appeared to be a rather simple divorce, the matter turned in to a complicated case that included division of several companies. Mr. Jensen immediately secured a monthly maintenance fee for my living expenses and again voluntarily traveled to a neighboring county for the hearings. The demeanor displayed was always one of professionalism, preparedness and presented in a manner so factual that opposing attorneys, while displeased to be incorrect, had no choice but to agree with Mr. Jensen. At times he had to deliver information to me that was not pleasant, but he and his lovely Madeline made those few times less stressful, offering the issue succinctly followed by several suggestions to be considered for conclusion on the particular matter.
Always prepared, always timely, available to me at times out of the ordinary and exhibiting confidence at every appearance no matter the county or opposing attorney, Mr. Jensen and his representation for me made times that could have been very despairing in to times of experiencing gains in my personal strength and reassurance of valuable coping skills which one sometimes loses when faced with such complex legal matters. All in all I do not think there is a better team to handle any legal matter thank Mr. Jensen and Madeline. The professionalism, knowledge, assurance and ability to convey comfort to the client along with a record of winning cases are traits everyone wants in their attorney. Eric Jensen possesses and has displayed them all.
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12 Jun, 2020 by Bri
Brian was very confident when I went in for my consultation, I’ve never hired a lawyer before and I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect. Brian came in and immediately told me what we were going to do, how we would handle it and if we got any push back from the other party, he had more!
Great guy, great lawyer! I approve.
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24 Feb, 2016 by Alex
Brian was a great lawyer. After speaking with multiple lawyers about my case i finally decided to hire Brian because he wasn't just there to get paid, he wasn't your stereotypical lawyer. He made sure I understood every step of the process and even explained it to the opposing party so that they could understand it as well. He never over charged me or tried to bleed money from or cause this case drag on when not needed. He always did what was best for me. Brian and everyone at the firm were very pleasant. I would recommend him to any and everyone I meet that need his kind of services.
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23 Apr, 2015 by Michael
Kristina was very professional with her approach to my divorce. She listened to my needs and concerns, and informed me of the legal options. She guided me through the process smoothly and completely, even to the extent of keeping my soon-to-be exwife in the loop. She even answered HER questions without compromising the integrity of the lawyer/client relationship. At NO time did I get the feeling that Kristina secretly sided with my wife, she was THAT professional. All communications were timely and complete as well. She was supportive without getting involved personally, and made sure all the paperwork I had to fill out was complete and timely.
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18 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
I was originally reserved using her because she was young. In the end I was very pleased with her professionalism from the beginning to the end.
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17 Jan, 2020 by Donnell
I hired Ken after having a disastrous experience with 2 other
Tyler lawyers. I could not have made a better choice.
He immediately took up a very difficult will contest case and
won a summary judgement against a frivolous lawsuit that
should have been put to bed long ago.
He is a facts and law type of lawyer and does not waste your
time blowing his horn about his successes as many other
lawyers seem to do.
He is considerate, forward thinker and has an excellent small
staff that are concerned about your welfare and not their own.
If you need help in will, probate and trust matters -
THIS IS YOUR GUY!
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11 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Great attorney with a highly competant staff especially Melissa
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11 Mar, 2015 by Joel
Greg is an awesome lawyer! He was retained by me for a hit and run that my vehicle was involved in. I was not driving but my license was suspended and I was aware and next time I was pulled over I got a no drivers license ticket. Also the person I supposedly hit and run had a judgment of $3500 put on me. Needless to say he took my case for a very reasonable retainer and actually settled for half the judgment. O and my license was back after the judgment was paid.
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08 Dec, 2010 by Deborah
After the horrific experience I had with another Tyler lawyer (whose name, oddly enough, also began with an "H"), I must say that my experience with Mr. Hoffman was refreshing. Hopefully, the high marks I gave him are based on his merits, and not on the terrible experience I had with the unethical, fee-generating snake-oil salesman down the road.
Mr. Hoffman proved to be a quick-witted attorney with a great sense of humor, and a keen insight into the East Texas psyche. We aren't a bunch of buffoons, ripe for the picking; we aren't to be talked "over" or "under," or treated as if we are dim-witted little children, despite our Southern drawls. Tennessee Williams spoke with a drawl, after all...
I liked the man: He looks a person straight in the eye and shoots straight from the hip. He gives you the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. None of that mumbo-jumbo, lawyer-esque crappola double-speak.
Hasn't lied to us yet. Hasn't cost us superfluous money yet. Highly recommended.
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24 Aug, 2018 by Michael
Helped me out when I was a college student in East Texas. Police even told lies on me to try and get extra convictions on my record and he got this straightened out. The best attorney in all of East Texas
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05 Aug, 2024 by Amber bevis
Srav is an amazing lawyer and person. He is so detailed and thorough and worked harder for us than any lawyer ever has. We could never thank you enough, Srav!!
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05 Aug, 2024 by Matt claiborne
Mr. Muralidhar is the best lawyer i have ever dealt with! If you want a lawyer who is going to hold people accountable and get things done, all while leading you in the right direction, he is the man for the job! He went above and beyond and did everything he ever said he would in my case. If i ever need a criminal defense attorney again, he will be the first person i call.
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29 Jul, 2024 by Arismendis najar
Best lawyer in East Texas
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13 Feb, 2020 by Winfred
I have personal consulted with Mr. Hendrix several times in the past 5 years. I simply cannot find a more capable and compassionate attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and provided us with wise counsel. Mr. Hendrix is very straight forward and explains everything so I fully understood what to expect. I would highly recommend his skill set when you need an attorney in the Tyler or DFW area.
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05 Feb, 2018 by Mark
Mr. Hendrix reviewed my trust document. He provided prompt and sound legal advice. Saving the trust money and giving me peace of mind.
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09 Oct, 2013 by Belinda
Vance made everything about as easy as it could be during such a hard process. Great guy and really cares about your case and what you are going through. Always was up front with us and kept us in the loop. Vance was great at explaining every step so that you fully understand what was happening. Thanks Vance we are happy to leave you a great review.
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20 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Really nice guy. Good lawyer. Achieved the desired results. Extremely fairly priced.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Yesenia borunda
Jeremy Coe es un destacado abogado con una trayectoria consolidada en la prestación de servicios legales en la ciudad de tyler lo recomiendo ampliamente no solo por su exelente servicio y amabilidad si no también por su buen corazón para ayudar a sus clientes le tengo un gran agradecimiento por toda su ayuda
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30 Aug, 2024 by Austin moore
19 Aug, 2024 by Kathy snook
I had a very good experience with Mr. Patteson, I felt that he gave me 100% of his expertise, he payed close attention to detail, as well as listened closely to me, he went above and beyond to meet with me around my working hours, I felt as if I was in good legal hands.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Tonya berry
Thank you Mr. Patteson for being their for our family in probating my mom's Will. I was told by people that probating a Will takes a long time, months, even years. You made the process so easy and quick by taking care of all the little details in the beginning of the Will process and ensured my mom's wishes were carried out. I didn't know a lot about probating a Will and that was ok because you explained the entire process and held my hand every step of the way. I loved the personal attention by showing me how to file the documents to change the deeds. Which gave me the the opportunity to meet the young lady I've been emailing for the past eight years that was over my mom's guardianship. I was given the opportunity to thank her in person for her assistance and guidance. If you need an attorney for a Guardianship, Will and/or probating a Will stop by and see Mr Patteson at Patteson Law he has a wonderful team.
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31 Jul, 2024 by Kelsey clark
08 Aug, 2024 by Reno davis
quick fast and reapectful. handled everything I needed, very kind and hard working. would have gone to him sooner if i could.
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07 Aug, 2024 by Carson harris
Everything about my experience with the McGuire firm has been positive. They are very understanding and willing to help. They were efficient with every step of the process. They were consistently contacting and updating me during the process and in the end I was more than pleased with the result of my issue.
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10 Jul, 2024 by James schumacher
Sarina Hager, the attorney, and her staff are very courteous, and extremely efficient in their work.
They treat you with respect and listen to your concerns and advise you to obtain the best results.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Darlene overstreet
11 Sep, 2024 by Traci kord
I'm very pleased with the Griffith Law Office. My attorney, Catherine Bateman and her team was very knowledgeable and compassionate through the whole divorce process. They fought for me and helped me to make decisions based on my best interest. I highly recommend Catherine Bateman and Griffith Law Office .
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05 Sep, 2024 by James mckeown
Very happy with Keith Miller and his team. Thank you for taking care of my family.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Darlene overstreet
11 Sep, 2024 by Traci kord
I'm very pleased with the Griffith Law Office. My attorney, Catherine Bateman and her team was very knowledgeable and compassionate through the whole divorce process. They fought for me and helped me to make decisions based on my best interest. I highly recommend Catherine Bateman and Griffith Law Office .
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05 Sep, 2024 by James mckeown
Very happy with Keith Miller and his team. Thank you for taking care of my family.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Bryce smith
Moore was the best help ever got my whole case thrown in the trash I appreciate you so much I highly recommend.
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16 Aug, 2024 by Victor coleman
I had the most amazing representation and refer the whole entire to staff to anyone who needs any help!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Jon thorsen
Carlo worked hard in getting the results we agreed upon in the beginning of our cases. He was always professional, laying out the process, and keeping us informed as to what to expect. His assistant Shelley was a wounderful liaison in the entire process!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Darlene overstreet
11 Sep, 2024 by Traci kord
I'm very pleased with the Griffith Law Office. My attorney, Catherine Bateman and her team was very knowledgeable and compassionate through the whole divorce process. They fought for me and helped me to make decisions based on my best interest. I highly recommend Catherine Bateman and Griffith Law Office .
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05 Sep, 2024 by James mckeown
Very happy with Keith Miller and his team. Thank you for taking care of my family.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Darlene overstreet
11 Sep, 2024 by Traci kord
I'm very pleased with the Griffith Law Office. My attorney, Catherine Bateman and her team was very knowledgeable and compassionate through the whole divorce process. They fought for me and helped me to make decisions based on my best interest. I highly recommend Catherine Bateman and Griffith Law Office .
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05 Sep, 2024 by James mckeown
Very happy with Keith Miller and his team. Thank you for taking care of my family.
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13 Apr, 2024 by Alexis piña
24 Mar, 2024 by Lindsey mcphearson
06 Mar, 2024 by Carolina martinez
*writing from my friend’s pov* I have had a horrible experience, I obtained him as a legal adviser. I paid over $6k for his services were making payments and he would constantly contact me to remind me of my payment, or when the payment was due. Once I finished paying everything off, it has been nothing but radio silence from him and his secretary. I do not recommend him at all, all he does is scam and ghost you once you finish paying.
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19 Sep, 2024 by Darlene overstreet
11 Sep, 2024 by Traci kord
I'm very pleased with the Griffith Law Office. My attorney, Catherine Bateman and her team was very knowledgeable and compassionate through the whole divorce process. They fought for me and helped me to make decisions based on my best interest. I highly recommend Catherine Bateman and Griffith Law Office .
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05 Sep, 2024 by James mckeown
Very happy with Keith Miller and his team. Thank you for taking care of my family.
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19 May, 2024 by Ryan davidson
Best lawyer for traffic violations.
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27 Feb, 2024 by Danny kemp jr.
We were able to make appointment with Mr t r u b e he was really handy and helpful Advising us where to go and who to contact about the fraudulent selling of our land and the deed and title changing through a fraudulent person's name but he was his most successful and helping me out with some advice on what to do and how to get started and the necessary direction to file the proper paperwork through the court and who to contact and talk to that would best be able to assist us he was very kind man and I appreciate him and his advice as we showed up at his office his secretary met us outside with some black face masks like the covid mask that are really ineffective. to where if or when we come inside I'm sure these measures were taken for their own safety and as a precaution to protect her lawyer and her from being sick and missing work it's kind of what I assumed but it was a different tune at first but all in all pretty great place they helped me out with advice we needed.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Laci robinson
I wouldn't recommend. Receptionist was extremely rude and he was not helpful. The office was gross with dog hair and dirt everywhere but they were concerned with masking.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Levi mcminn
Will is a fighter and the champion you need on your side. I thought my situation was hopless but Will stepped up to the plate handled my situation like a warrior. With the help of him and our Paralegal Twyla we got everything and more that we wanted from our settlement. He has a good reputation with local and out of county Judges and is a fierce fighter for your case.
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15 Apr, 2024 by Bl
11 May, 2023 by Florine butler
13 Apr, 2024 by Alexis piña
24 Mar, 2024 by Lindsey mcphearson
06 Mar, 2024 by Carolina martinez
*writing from my friend’s pov* I have had a horrible experience, I obtained him as a legal adviser. I paid over $6k for his services were making payments and he would constantly contact me to remind me of my payment, or when the payment was due. Once I finished paying everything off, it has been nothing but radio silence from him and his secretary. I do not recommend him at all, all he does is scam and ghost you once you finish paying.
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06 Sep, 2024 by Danica rockwell
I just called and they are not the type of attorney that I need . A lady named Leah took the time to listen to my issue and text me 4 different names and their contact info of who that they recommend....
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20 Aug, 2024 by Sally clarke
A huge “Thank you” to Evan Barat. She was assigned as an amicus atty for my husband’s adult disabled non-verbal son. She is fair, honest, understanding and responds quickly to calls and emails. What a true blessing to have someone that is fair to both parties and her concern and welfare and best interest of the child. We appreciate all of her understanding of the situation and her recommendations that were in the best interest for most importantly the adult disabled child and all parties involved.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Jesse reynolds
24 Sep, 2024 by Shelby ramirez
Admin that answered the phone was unhelpful and rude. I called politely to ask a question and was cut off mid sentence. Will not be using.
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09 Aug, 2024 by Gina taylor
We have had a great experience with this firm. Jeffrey Cotten represented us so very well while being professional yet compassionate. He was attentive to our case & even though I hope we never have to repeat our experience, we would gladly reach out to this firm again.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Quentin mims
Always done us a great service.
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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.
