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06 Nov, 2015 by Allison
Circumstance unfortunate but outcome EXCELLENT due to retaining Mr. KINDOPP to represent me in a few cases starting back in 2001 in a traffic case and most recently this past year in a custody battle in which a father abandoned his first born after requesting emergency custody which was denied yet felt just 6 months later without any significant changes that leaving his daughter in the mothers care 100% showing his original request was a waste of everyone's time. Mr. Kindopp is very personable with his clients yet does not offer a false sense of hope but a few various likely realities so no surprises causing upset arise. He is quick to point out facts that are backed up by evidence leaving no room for error and providing a secure expectation and an attorney / client trust like no other. He explains why things need to be done a certain way eliminating all confusion or anxiety. He presents himself in a very professional manner and always one step ahead due to his thorough review of all case notes, discovery, pleadings abd correspondence. He can be a breath of fresh air yet demonstrates his knowledge and expertise in every case or individual he represents. He's matter-of-fact and straight to the point which in turn wastes no time or money. He is fair aND communicates directly with his clients putting each one at ease rather than leaving them to question the status of their case. We are fortunate to have such a driven, justice seeking, highly educated individual practicing law in our community. I highly recommend Mr. Kindopp for any case in his field of choice if you want a pleasant experience in the court room. I'm so thankful for his gratitude. Time, effort and compassion he has put forth in my cases and will continue to use him in the future shall any legal matters arise again.
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18 Aug, 2011 by Karen
I received Mr. Kindopp's name through an Employee Assistance Program when I had an extremely difficult time dealing with a mortgage company and needed someone on my side. I was short on time due to an impending foreclosure/sale date; after seven months of getting nothing but the run around, verbal and financial abuse by a broken system and stress. I explained the time constraint to his assistant and was scheduled for an appointment quicker than I had imagined. Mr. Kindopp listened to me, provided information and the legal support I needed to effectively deal with this company who had not always been following "the rules" and conveniently lost documents, let them expire or didn't have information when it worked in their favor. I received a phone call from the mortgage company with a proposal for a permanent loan modification within days, and an apology regarding their business practices. When the modification papers arrived I faxed them to Mr. Kindopp's office, concerned about what I was signing. I was shocked to receive a telephone call at 7pm on a Friday evening from him to discuss them. I have never had an attorney who addressed my needs and concerns in such a quick and assertive fashion. Through personal necessity, and work, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with many lawyers in Mendocino County, Mr. Kindopp is at the top of my list. If my family EVER needs an attorney or legal assistance I will be calling Mr. Kindopp.
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10 Jun, 2011 by Michael
Mr. Kindopp worked on a very complicated case that I started. He has been absolutely outstanding.
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28 Sep, 2020 by Randall asher
Excellent demeanor and a very professional legal service provider that solved my legal problem quickly & efficiently...
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06 May, 2019 by Anonymous
Lorraine has been very attentive and always keeping my family as a priority through out my case. I am thankful she takes extra time to explain things to me, and make sure I am understanding fully what the court terms mean. This is One of my hardest Situations I have ever been in , in my life, and without Lorraine’s availability and compassion this would be the definition of misery. I know her case load is large, which makes me appreciate all the extra time I have received. She has taught me much great knowledge about how to react in the courtroom, how to discuss current issues with social workers, and how to deal with a contested hearing.
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08 Oct, 2024 by James reed
Thomas helped me tremendously through what was one of the most challenging episodes in my life. Though my custody rights were threatened, he helped steer the legal process away from combat and towards peaceful resolution. I got the outcome I wanted, and feel relieved and grateful.
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26 Jul, 2024 by Megan sells
26 Mar, 2024 by Molly youngerman
Alisha is very firm, very supportive, gets straight to the point, and gets things done fast. Very knowledgeable and experienced; likewise her team.
We felt utterly helpless unexpectedly finding ourselves in the midst of a custody case. From the moment we hired Alisha, everything changed. My husband is now reunited with his daughter! We can’t thank you enough!
If you are in need, Alisha is the attorney for you.
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08 Jan, 2025 by Jim b
Emerald Law is amazing! We turned to them when no one else would take on our difficult case, and they exceeded our expectations. Kali, our attorney, was incredible—professional, compassionate, and determined. She not only helped us stay calm during a stressful time but also led us to a victory in our case. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!
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23 Aug, 2024 by Susu lewis
I hired Jonah Walsh for collaborative divorce. I don't know if he felt intimidated, infringed upon, or what, he did not say one word to defend my rights during the process, leaving me fight alone with the opposing attorney. But he made sure not to charge me one cent less. The worst part is as a licensed attorney he made big mistake about the collaborative practice agreement and signed it. The mistake he made caused me lost in Trial court and lead us to the Supreme Court. It wasted me many years of time and drained me financially . Eventually It caused me lost the entire case and all mine and my son’s rights! Damages and losses suffered as a result because of his negligence! I wish I could afford to sue him for legal malpractice!
Hiring him was the biggest mistake I ever made! Very weak defense and beyond incompetence. This could be the worst experience you can get from attorney. I strongly suggest to stay away from this attorney !
Please see Published case “Mueller v Mueller 2024 "for reference.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Josh donati
17 Jan, 2020 by Anna gregorian
I am an attorney in Lake County California. I work in Mendocino county sometimes, but often refer Meredith Lintott to people who call in from Mendocino county. I am writing this because of the prior poor review. I have had a case with Meredith Lintott and found she was an exceptional and tough adversary. I found her work to be great and her demeanor to be very professional. I found her to be of high integrity. She absolutely has no idea that I am writing this. I would fight just as hard against her as I always do in my cases so she is not a "buddy" so to speak. But as a professional who often identifies her as a professional doing family law in Mendocino to people seeking representation there I am honored to be able to give her 5 stars.
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17 Oct, 2019 by Allen morris
If you want a Lawyer willing to lie to win your case Ms. Lintott may be the Lawyer for you.
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22 Aug, 2023 by Aaron wayne massey
Uselessly employed by the people to do nothing to help the people. You can have everything that she needs to win and she won’t even look at it! She’ll help the prosecutor win and if you want to be heard as a parent she’ll find a way to get the judge to exclude you from your child’s future. This lady is a disgrace to society and she should be held accountable for her tyranny. There will be no justice for you if you get stuck in it’s this supposed lawyer but this idiot is just a horrible human being who isn’t even worth calling a public pretender because she don’t even pretend to try as she catastrophically fails her job and Does nothing but make excuses while making things so much worse. Shame on this lady for not having the integrity she should have and for being so useless in her profession!!! Hit me up if you disagree I have the proof
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13 Jul, 2023 by Christopher lent
Joshua Richard Ruoff
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21 Aug, 2019 by Erin howse
They will stock you with your spouses attorney bill if they don't pay it
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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.
