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02 Apr, 2024 by Elissa lawson
I highly recommend Brigeda Bank if you’re looking for a smart, sharp, helpful, and compassionate lawyer to guide you through a complicated and stressful divorce process. She’ll advocate and provide valuable support to you so that you can achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Sarah garvey
I had a really solid experience with Givelle. While she did not provide legal assistance to me, (I was seeking to file suit and she’s a defense attorney), she heard me out and graciously shared what she knows to be next-steps in these types of matters. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone seeking a defense attorney because she exudes confidence and speaks with clarity and purpose.
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26 Sep, 2023 by John nepomuceno
Divorce is anything but a walk in the park, but through the distress, anxiety, and uncertainty around the process, Katie Fox, and her team at Fox & Bank, have done a phenomenal job in allaying any concerns or fears that I had, and helped run mediations between myself and my ex-spouse in a comfortable, fairly low-stress, and overall effective manner. Katie Fox is a consummate professional, and understands fully, the nuances around divorce, and the toll it can take on both partners, and their families. I felt heard and understood, and for that, I am extremely appreciative and grateful of her.
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04 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Mark put together a will/trust for us. Work was ok/standard. We later needed a soft copy of a doc that was part of that service (had lost the email previously sent that had contained it). Instead of re-fowarding that previous email or at minimum letting me know there'd be a charge and a substantial charge at that, he sent the docs, and then billed us nearly $200. That's a $360/Hour rate looking at the time he says it took (which was overblown by about 200% from how long it should have taken). Unbelievable that somebody you thought you could trust, attempts to take advantage of people like this. He most likely has a bunch of rich clients, where this is just a drop in the bucket and pay these things without even looking at them. But for most of us, this is a large sum of money, and massive considering the services received for being charged it. Do not trust him.
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28 Nov, 2009 by Jennifer
About a year ago I called Mark Blake's office because I needed a Power of Attorney to help with the settlement of my late father's east coast estate. Since that was such a pleasant and successful experience, we decided to return to him for help with estate planning.
During the first meeting he listened to us, understood our specific concerns, and advised us. We arrived at an agreement and he arranged everything exactly the way we all agreed it should be. The work was done quickly and thoroughly. At our second meeting he went over everything with us, all of it straight-forward, we signed the papers, and left the office knowing that things were in good order. Now I wonder why I procrastinated so long. It's a wonderful feeling to have everything in place, and to know that whatever happens in the future, our decisions will be honored and our loved ones protected.
Mark Blake is a pleasure to work with. He is pleasant, intelligent, cordial, and he listens. He inspired confidence from the very beginning, and as time goes by we find that he is always quick to respond to messages and helpful. An added benefit is that the law offices are easily accessible in downtown Walnut Creek, but I think that even if we moved away from the East Bay we'd still call Mark Blake for any legal need. We would (and do) highly recommend him to our friends.
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08 May, 2009 by Anonymous
Mark helped me navigate some difficult times in a very professional manner.
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09 Nov, 2023 by Delaney
Attorney James Fishel has represented me for multiple legal matters spanning from 2013 to 2023, and I am compelled to share my positive experience.
James Fishel's guidance has been invaluable, particularly in navigating complex custody issues concerning one of my children. His expertise and dedication were evident throughout the process, ultimately leading to a resolution that prioritized the safety and well-being of my child.
One of Mr. Fishel's standout qualities is his unwavering honesty. He provided realistic expectations and a clear roadmap of the necessary steps, ensuring I was well-informed at every stage. This transparency instilled confidence and trust in his representation.
Equally commendable is the kindness and professionalism displayed by Mr. Fishel's paralegal, Sunny. Together, they created a supportive and empathetic environment, making a challenging legal journey more manageable.
In summary, James Fishel's legal expertise, honesty, and the compassionate approach of his team have made a significant impact on my family law cases. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and caring family law attorney.
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08 Apr, 2021 by William
I used James because he was in my network for a home repair dispute. He was very friendly and his demand letter got me exactly what I needed! Thank you Mr. Fishel!
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14 Apr, 2020 by Tom
I'd put off starting my case partly out of confusion about what to do, in what order. My Fishel reviewed my docs and walked me through the changes and the next action steps. His guidance will make a postive difference in how the case goes. Mr. Fishel has been clear, concise and compassionate. I greatly appreciate both him and Sunny Debord in his office. I will be working with them on the next steps.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Captain n
I’d strongly suggest that you take your business somewhere else when I called on August 20 the lady was very rude and did not inform me or help me at all on how the process works with working with an attorney. This creates a very bad reputation for this business and they have, no professionalism whatsoever strongly suggest that you work with a different attorney regarding your real estate legal issues .
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26 Jul, 2023 by Randy r
Heath Langle & Scott Judson and both highly qualified and recommended attorneys!
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08 Jun, 2022 by Theodore havinis
We had a very enriching experience working with Kyla Hale to help us w setting up an estate plan for our family. Kyla is very knowledgeable, professional, organized, and very pleasant to work with. She guided us through a complicated process that we were not capable of handling ourselves, she took time explaining and helping us understand important details. She is easily accessible and always responds promptly when we had questions. Highly recommend her!
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26 Feb, 2024 by John balquist
I have worked with Lara and Rachel for several years and I've always been impressed with their diligence and professionalism. As lawyers go, they are very down to earth with an unwavering compassion for their clients.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Steve turner
I spoke to attorney Tyler Smith around October 17, 2023 and Tyler agreed to represent me in an ongoing lawsuit. I was prepared to execute a retainer agreement and pay a $10,000 initial retainer fee. I told Tyler I would call him the following week to set up an appointment to complete the paperwork. The following week I called and emailed Tyler, but he did not get back to me. Literally at the last possible moment he breached his oral agreement and refused to represent me. I'm going to file a State Bar complaint. This is outrageous!¹
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20 May, 2023 by Lacie brown
I cannot recommend Heisler Rosenfeld LLP enough. The firm came highly recommended when my husband and I were looking to set-up our will and trust and after working with them we couldn't help but sing their praises as well, in fact, we immediately recommended them to my parents. Not only were they thorough and extremely detail oriented, they were also patient and incredibly caring. We truly felt like we were working with family. They communicated every step of the way and we left feeling that every one of our questions was answered throughly. Had we known it would have been such an easy and enjoyable process, we would have definitely done this sooner. Thank you Rachel and Lara for all of your help. I know my parents loved you as well.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Elissa lawson
I highly recommend Brigeda Bank if you’re looking for a smart, sharp, helpful, and compassionate lawyer to guide you through a complicated and stressful divorce process. She’ll advocate and provide valuable support to you so that you can achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
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21 Oct, 2023 by Sarah garvey
I had a really solid experience with Givelle. While she did not provide legal assistance to me, (I was seeking to file suit and she’s a defense attorney), she heard me out and graciously shared what she knows to be next-steps in these types of matters. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone seeking a defense attorney because she exudes confidence and speaks with clarity and purpose.
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26 Sep, 2023 by John nepomuceno
Divorce is anything but a walk in the park, but through the distress, anxiety, and uncertainty around the process, Katie Fox, and her team at Fox & Bank, have done a phenomenal job in allaying any concerns or fears that I had, and helped run mediations between myself and my ex-spouse in a comfortable, fairly low-stress, and overall effective manner. Katie Fox is a consummate professional, and understands fully, the nuances around divorce, and the toll it can take on both partners, and their families. I felt heard and understood, and for that, I am extremely appreciative and grateful of her.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Giliat ghebray
Current working with Ethan and his team and very happy with the progress. Custody cases/arrangements can be very stressful and his team has been very communicative and supportive. I can reach out to them anytime and receive a timely response - something that is super important to me. Things can come up at any time and having a team that can provide rapid assistance is critical. I highly recommend Bay Area Family Law Center to anyone looking for top tier support and guidance!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Lauren covinha
Jay Renneisen is such an amazing, professional and honest lawyer. He is definitely someone you would want to have on your side! He was attentive to my needs, listened to all my concerns, was very organized and incredibly responsive to every email and phone call. He was able to win my case and get the result that I wanted! I would highly recommend Jay to anyone looking for a lawyer for his scope of work!
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04 Nov, 2023 by Vembar ranganathan
We moved from New York to California last year and have been looking for an Estate planning attorney to update our plan. We interviewed a few, and finally met Ms. Joan Grimes through a recommendation. She is highly intelligent, can sift through huge documents at great speed and can quickly identify key points. We were struck by her efficiency, energy, and capacity to get to the heart of the matter and prescribe practical solutions. She is very current with the law, and makes suggestions in the context of potential changes in estate laws. Moreover, she is warm and caring. Another interesting side of Joan is that she is the go-to person for specialists, doctors, bakeries, bistros - Google in human form! It has been such a pleasure to meet her and more importantly, to do business with her.
Kala and Vembar K Ranganathan, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.
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31 Jan, 2024 by Giliat ghebray
Current working with Ethan and his team and very happy with the progress. Custody cases/arrangements can be very stressful and his team has been very communicative and supportive. I can reach out to them anytime and receive a timely response - something that is super important to me. Things can come up at any time and having a team that can provide rapid assistance is critical. I highly recommend Bay Area Family Law Center to anyone looking for top tier support and guidance!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Lauren covinha
Jay Renneisen is such an amazing, professional and honest lawyer. He is definitely someone you would want to have on your side! He was attentive to my needs, listened to all my concerns, was very organized and incredibly responsive to every email and phone call. He was able to win my case and get the result that I wanted! I would highly recommend Jay to anyone looking for a lawyer for his scope of work!
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04 Nov, 2023 by Vembar ranganathan
We moved from New York to California last year and have been looking for an Estate planning attorney to update our plan. We interviewed a few, and finally met Ms. Joan Grimes through a recommendation. She is highly intelligent, can sift through huge documents at great speed and can quickly identify key points. We were struck by her efficiency, energy, and capacity to get to the heart of the matter and prescribe practical solutions. She is very current with the law, and makes suggestions in the context of potential changes in estate laws. Moreover, she is warm and caring. Another interesting side of Joan is that she is the go-to person for specialists, doctors, bakeries, bistros - Google in human form! It has been such a pleasure to meet her and more importantly, to do business with her.
Kala and Vembar K Ranganathan, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.
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16 Jul, 2017 by Nick
John handled my divorce proceedings for nearly 3 years. We developed a strategy that he felt would work best and it paid off in the end. John's expertise and diligent work gave me the best results possible. What was equally impressive was the fair rate for services rendered.
I now have a "go to guy" for all future law services that I may I need and that provides great piece of mind. I highly recommend John to anyone looking for a great attorney, great results at a reasonable fare. Thanks for everything, John!!
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16 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
After not receiving any reply at all from several local attorneys here on Avoo, I was referred to John by a friend of mine. John called me within minutes of my first email to him, listened to my situation and created a plan of action that made sense and proved he knew exactly what he was doing.
John's advice, creativity and unwavering dedication ultimately saved me and my wife thousands of dollars and will be my "go-to" attorney for any legal related issues in the future.
I would recommend John to anyone I know, without a doubt.
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10 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I contacted John about 3 years ago regarding a family law case. He absolutely helped me stay strong and to not give up despite how hard things got. I never thought I would see the day in which anything in my legal case would get better. I came out more than please with my turn out and things finally got better in my legal situation. John was always on top of it and always gave me a motive to never give up, he listens and gives you the best advice any attorney that is great at their job could do. I would definitely recommend John to anyone who needs an attorney in all the specialities he practices in. Thank you John! For everything!
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29 Aug, 2024 by Erika descoust
The Weed Law Group delivers on their promise to fiercely advocate for clients. Their responsive, compassionate and highly competent approach is very reassuring. Weed Law is an excellent team to have working on your behalf!
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14 May, 2024 by Teresa
12 Mar, 2024 by Nancy cooksey
Knowledgeable experienced people whom take action and get results.
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18 May, 2023 by Brian
I spoke with Gary Cornwall over the phone during the beginning phases of my divorce. Gary called me back after I left a message asking for his help. Gary didn’t ask for a consultation fee and provided amazing insight to the divorce process and my needs. Gary felt my case would be better represented by someone he felt was a match. My experience with Gary was amazing. I felt he put me at ease and more importantly gave me the confidence I needed to continue. I would recommend anyone starting a divorce to give Gary a call. Maybe he is perfect for your case, maybe he is not, but one thing is for sure, he will guide you in the right direction and give you the confidence you can get through this processes with peace and security for your future.
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25 Jul, 2022 by Sharon
Gary Cornwall is absolutely my Hero. He restored my faith in myself so I could fight the good fight. He is such a compassionate, decent Human being who truly cares about his clients and we all know that's hard to find these days. I prevailed because of Gary, because he gave me hope when I wanted to give up. I was recovering from the bad Covid and nearly died. I am still getting back on my feet and didn't think I had the energy to stand up for myself. After talking to Gary, I had the energy and fight left in me. I rose like the Phoenix out of the ashes and won my case. Truly, it was Gary's words, encouragement, and kindness that gave me strength. I can never thank this man enough. God bless him. He's the real deal folks. A genuine gentleman, a great Lawyer, and just a really nice guy.
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10 Feb, 2022 by Nick
I was referred to Gary to get help with my former spouse. Gary acted super fast and got everything taken care of with just a phone call to my ex’s lawyer. He truly went above and beyond what was expected and most importantly thanks to Gary I feel like I can rest easy again. I would refer him to anyone.
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29 Aug, 2022 by Blue b
BEWARE: Rita took my money and didn’t do anything that she said she would do…I told her every detail possible…she couldn’t pull off what she said she would do!…she kept the money and then moved to a different location…wouldn’t take my calls or wouldn’t be honest about her mistakes…she’s a lier and desperate for your money…
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25 Jan, 2022 by Daniel mena
Great attorney!
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20 Sep, 2021 by Tina olson
26 Feb, 2024 by John balquist
I have worked with Lara and Rachel for several years and I've always been impressed with their diligence and professionalism. As lawyers go, they are very down to earth with an unwavering compassion for their clients.
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27 Oct, 2023 by Steve turner
I spoke to attorney Tyler Smith around October 17, 2023 and Tyler agreed to represent me in an ongoing lawsuit. I was prepared to execute a retainer agreement and pay a $10,000 initial retainer fee. I told Tyler I would call him the following week to set up an appointment to complete the paperwork. The following week I called and emailed Tyler, but he did not get back to me. Literally at the last possible moment he breached his oral agreement and refused to represent me. I'm going to file a State Bar complaint. This is outrageous!¹
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20 May, 2023 by Lacie brown
I cannot recommend Heisler Rosenfeld LLP enough. The firm came highly recommended when my husband and I were looking to set-up our will and trust and after working with them we couldn't help but sing their praises as well, in fact, we immediately recommended them to my parents. Not only were they thorough and extremely detail oriented, they were also patient and incredibly caring. We truly felt like we were working with family. They communicated every step of the way and we left feeling that every one of our questions was answered throughly. Had we known it would have been such an easy and enjoyable process, we would have definitely done this sooner. Thank you Rachel and Lara for all of your help. I know my parents loved you as well.
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15 May, 2024 by Samuel jensen
18 Mar, 2024 by Joe
Mike Hughes doesn't know anything about HOA law or general legal ethics. His counsel helped a tyrannical board break the law and drain our reserves --- steer clear.
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17 Mar, 2024 by Carla marymee
Doug Bohne provided me one of the best legal consultations I’ve ever had. He asked questions, listened intently, quickly sorted out several entangled, complex legal issues, and helped me develop a plan moving forward. He's straight forward, honest, and provided the advice and insight I needed. Most of all, I felt that he genuinely cared about helping me. I highly recommend The Bohne Law Group for handling estate, trust, special needs, and real estate issues.
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12 Oct, 2023 by Nate
I am not one to write poor reviews, to me it is a waste of time and I rely on others to relay critical information. However, I want others to carefully research who they are going to invest their money and time on. My wife and I were clueless and in a rush, and because of this we had such a traumatizing experience due to the negligence and lack of measures Mr. Nielson failed to take. I have been waiting 8 months to write this. Let me explain.
My wife was looking to relocate out of CA with her 4yo son due to the increasing costs of living as I am sure you are all aware of. My wife has sole legal and physical custody, and the dad has a criminal background and does not support financially. She and I had significantly better opportunities for work in Las Vegas, and overall could provide a more comfortable and stable life for her son.
We brought up our situation with Mr. Nielson in January/February of 2023, around the time of her lease renewal. He explained to us that my wife has every right (the presumptive right) to relocate with her son to NV, and gave her the green light. We packed her things, she quit her job, and we simply moved everything to my home in Las Vegas.
He warned us of other party filing a motion and the unlikelihood of it getting approved. Few weeks later, it was approved. Police were calling my wife because the dad was attempting to call an Amber Alert, though she has full custody. Prior to this we got a brief email from Mr. Nielson stating she needed to move back, not a call, no reassurance or explanation of the current situation.
Her son had to move back to CA with her sister, my wife kept her new job here in Vegas because we assumed that the move needed a formal court hearing prior to being granted. The hearing was 6 weeks away, the longest 6 weeks for my wife having to be away from her son.
The court date arrives. Mr. Nielson assures us that he will have us three (her son, her, and i) on our flight back home to Vegas on that day. After the hearing the other party ends up with more rights (from supervised to unsupervised visitations) and we are left with another court date 2 months out and loads of uncertainty. We immediately felt like we lost, including Mr. Nielson. We were left devastated, and all he could say was "There is nothing we can do. The judge is not following the law". My wife had to quit her new job and move back to CA with her sister. Almost 2 months total of lost income because proper steps were not taken. And approximately 2 months of me paying for Nielson's services totaling up to approximately $7000.
Here is where we eventually terminated our services with Mr. Nielson. Now I am no attorney, but after months of research on move-away cases I had to do on my own I did learn these things.
For move-away cases there are many things to consider and steps to take. To start you have Lamusga Factors, but MOST IMPORTANTLY you have to file a move-away order. This is the crucial and most detrimental step Mr. Nielson failed to address. No matter the situation, if the other party is in prison for example, a Move-Away Order must always be filed prior to relocating. Mr. Nielson failed to mention this in the beginning, failed to file one, and again failed to mention it after our first court hearing. "There is nothing we can do, she is not following the law."
Again I am no legal expert, however this is why I and a lot of you will come to a professional.
After terminating our services, we ultimately won the case (9/27/23) with another attorney and were able to relocate. It did not have to go this way had he initially taken the proper steps, had he not given the other party (without a lawyer) the legal advantage. Our new attorney essentially had to clean up after Nielson which took approx 5 months and more legal expenses. My wife did not have to move prematurely and be in/out of work for 2mo. I'm sorry to write this, but my wife suffered far too much due to his negligence.
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07 Aug, 2023 by Sarah
I highly recommend Shane Nielson at Family Law in Livermore, CA. Not only did Shane understand the complexity of a 5 year, long, high-conflict case, he was able to listen with care while keeping things "practical" (things in court aren't practical at times). He obviously understood every aspect of family law, he knew of the judges, and of the petitioners lawyers as well (he had multiple). I believe Shane kept it classy while on and off the field, which I found it interesting when petitioners lawyer talked about his client before a hearing (although interesting, it was unprofessional). I applaud Shane for handling that as he did. Shane's knowledge of how to navigate the court system with admissible documentation and the unwavering intolerance for hearsay kept me on the right track. He told it to me straight when he needed to, pulled the trigger when the time was right (figuratively), and never let me get too far ahead of myself (which is easy to do). His advice was always priceless. On point. And in my opinion, worth the very expensive bills.
My kids safety was everything to me, so thank you for that, Shane. The impact you made was all together priceless, and you made a pretty good counselor at times too (even though it was clear that I needed a therapist and not a lawyer at times, but for 5 years, you were it)!!
It was nice that we were able to settle right before trial. If you need a family law attorney, I highly recommend Mr. Nielson.
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03 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Shane helped destroy mine and my children’s lives. I would never ever recommend him to anybody unless I wanted their lives destroyed by Shane Nielsen. Stay away from him.
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10 Nov, 2023 by Terry
Mr. Hughey was not only knowledgeable and skilled in representing my case, but he was also personable, trustworthy, and prompt in responding to any questions I had. Working with him was a pleasure, and he was able to relate to my situation with integrity, empathy, and relatability. He is someone I would definitely recommend. Mr. Hughey possesses a kind heart. His knowledge of the law and experience were reflected in the outcome of the case, which was better than I expected.
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17 Jul, 2020 by Alex
I had really bad expirience with this attorney. Fortunately The fee arbitration after reviewing my case decided that he must return part of the payment he received from me.
I wish I never hired him.
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22 Jul, 2015 by Thomas
I contacted Mr. Hughey through a trusted friend. I am a property owner in San Francisco with several millions of dollars in real estate holdings. Despite the couple of reviews that I have seen here saying that Harmond is not good with communication, I found just the opposite to be true. He communicated with me and my staff promptly by either email, text, fax or phone. I found him very responsive and knowledgeable as to real estate law and to detailed litigation. I cannot understand how anyone could say a bad word against him unless they are inexperienced with dealing with busy attorneys, especially one's with partial disabilities. My Father had back problems like Harmond's, so I am familiar with the challenges this adds to performance, not that I ever noticed other than he was limited in the amount of my files he could carry at some times. I support strongly any professional who can perform above-average work and juggle their own physical limitations.
Beyond real estate, too, I referred him to a few of my friends who had business and contract issues in Silicon Valley and they reported back to me that his advice, review and negotiation skills were without merit. He also charged me a very competitive hourly rate for his work. He has a very diverse background and a litany of stories from his years of practice.
This man saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars with his expertise and his skill. I'm sold on him as an A+ attorney who started off his career at one of the largest firms in the state before opening his own practice. I only wish I knew more attorneys like him.
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31 Dec, 2022 by Michael w
I wish I had the same experience as the two other clients. Sadly he never fought for me and not seeing my daughter has been a result for over a year. Jerry kept information from me not knowing I could have won the case he never fought for me thousands of dollars down the drain.
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14 Feb, 2017 by Kimberly
Mr. Chang is an amazing lawyer and person to work with. Extremely focused and capable. Divorce is never easy, yet I walked away with my dignity in tact and a very fair outcome to all parties involved. I'm so very grateful that I was referred to Mr. Chang; I will continue to work with him for all of my family law needs!
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31 Mar, 2015 by Katie
Recommended by another attorney, Jerry represented me after a ridiculous charge was filed against me. His professionalism, kindness and sense of humor made a stressful process bearable. Not only were the charges eventually dropped, but the other side had to pay my attorney's fees. It was a pleasure to work with Jerry and his excellent support staff.
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07 Jul, 2024 by Sw3tflower
Mr Wolch represented me at a contempt trial against my husband. It was an open/shut case. He demanded we go ahead with the divorce despite knowing my husband had no attorney to represent him. The judge threw out the case.
Mr Wolch did not respond to any of my Emails or calls concerning the divorce settlement my husband gave me. He went 3 months without any communication and then advised me to sign the settlement despite knowing I had no idea how it would affect me. It was a very bad settlement.
An attorney who does not communicate with his clients and has a lack of knowledge about law is not the type of attorney who will be working in your best interests, especially during a divorce.
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22 Nov, 2017 by Cathy
Wolch is about the worst you can do for a family law attorney in Contra Costa County. He runs up his bills, has his inept associates doing most of the work, and repeatedly confused my case with another that he was working on at the time. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this clown.
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04 Oct, 2013 by Mandi
Please accept again my sincere thanks and appreciation for the help and legal assistance you provided as my divorce attorney.
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18 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Unfortunately, I came to this conclusion too far along in my case to do anything about it. She expressed annoyance that I did not currently work and seemed to look down on me for it. Money was not an issue for me and it seems she sensed that. I’m currently investigating her billing practices for my case. No, I did not prevail and it has cost me a lot. I did not feel like she was on my side and I felt patronized by her in court. I have little confidence in these reviews. I did my homework and thought I was making the right choice by hiring her. I am totally disillusioned by the whole court process now.
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29 Jun, 2020 by Anonymous
Who does that? Her assistant at the time, a guy, showed up at court in her place. I was NOT informed nor did I approve. He wasn’t up to par with my case and the opposing attorneys railroaded him. I felt like a fool and the judge didn’t appear too pleased either. It was humiliating and disrespectful. How do you avoid hiring an attorney like this? How was I supposed to know?
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24 Apr, 2019 by Michele
I think I know who posted the 12/17/2017 review, and they didn't hire Carolyn Cain - I did. After years of having a do-nothing attorney for an incredibly complicated case and multiple attempts to wrest free of that one, Carolyn Cain took me on and within days Carolyn got me out of a serious fix and within months we were all caught up. I think the 12.17.17 reviewer actually wanted me to fail, and Carolyn definitely mucked up those plans!
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20 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
i hired attorney paula grohs for a custody case involving my two children, for which i was charged excessively. she often was not easy to understood and showed up intoxicated at court. as for the case outcome, i was not able to get my children back and we sold off my parents home to pay paula grohs.
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08 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with this attorney. I sent her my information and was asked immediately for a retainer. In being from out of town, I felt I was being taken advantage of. I then arranged to send her my information and never heard back, then was asked for more money. Her demeanor over the phone was harsh. In hiring a divorce lawyer, you need someone who is going to be on your side. I was treated as a cash cow. Not professional.
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03 Apr, 2017 by Susan
I spoke with Paula Grohs about taking my divorce case, and the consultation was a trainwreck. No solid advice was given, and no plan was put in place. I chose not to hire Ms. Grohs and wouldn't recommend that you do not
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16 Aug, 2022 by Sarah
I met Amanda through a mutual attorney friend a couple years back. She helped me through my highly contentious divorce and custody battle and I came through that with the most favorable outcome. I’d highly recommend Amanda to anyone who is going through any family law matters. In fact, I did recently recommend her to my own sister for help during her divorce.
I’m super grateful for Amanda and her compassion and high level knowledge of the law during one of the hardest times of my life!
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11 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Amanda N. Sanchez ended up getting my case even though I didn't explicitly agree to work with her, when I signed on with Allysyn Overton. I indicated in our consultation that keeping fees low was a primary goal and Allysyn said she would ensure that happened. So, when I was unloaded onto Amanda after the attorney that Allysyn said I would be working with (who I was comfortable with) wasn't available, I wanted to introduce myself, my goals, and reiterate that I'd prefer not file unnecessary motions etc... and asked if she could advise the other party it might be in their best interest not to as well. I even thanked them for their transparency which is embarrassing now.
Amanda emailed Allysyn and wrote "she is already complaining about the fees" - after my first email to her.
What a disappointing way to talk about someone you're about to represent, immediately after retaining them.
Allysyn responded "Just proceed as needed. She signed a retainer and I have emails where I tell her while yes we will be careful with your cost/benefit analysis, lawyers are expensive" Allysyn went out of her way to tell me that her team was not as expensive as others as they were cautious, that Amanda had a lower hourly rate, and that they would be extremely mindful given my situation.
I was forwarded these emails by accident after I asked Allysyn about a line item that was $750 for text messages between her and Amanda. I asked if I could see them, and she sent me a barrage of emails I already had and other emails I was likely not meant to see. Another line item was $2000 for emails to assume the file from another lawyer when 1) I was told that lawyers typically do not charge to assume a file and 2) There was a dropbox link with all of my documents attached from the other firm which was quite organized.
I ultimately saw the text messages and they were about Amanda's wedding.
Amanda also would email me repeating questions she had already asked instead of just searching her email.
All lawyers I have dealt with in the past have been succinct and mindful of correspondence. Despite my constant requests to keep things brief, there were needlessly long emails sent, meetings between them for who knows what.
I have one email that Allysn accidentally sent me where Amanda says she has a call scheduled with me but doesn't know what to talk about.
Amanda ended up abandoning my case after only working on it briefly. It seems irresponsible to take something on if you know you'll be leaving. Given the short amount of time she handled my case, I can't imagine she didn't know she was planning to leave.
Amanda claims in her response that what I've written here is inaccurate but I have all her emails and text messages. She was very involved in my case.
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11 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
Mary Kathleen Caswell, has altered information and facts when handling my child custody case to favor her client (My Husband). Her greed has lead her astray from the main purpose of The Family Court system being involved with families, which is to help families struggling to collaborate together (in my case my abusive/cheating husband didn’t think it was sufficient that he was physically/emotionally/verbally abusive and abandoned the Marital home) He still wanted to continue his power and control over me and This scrupulous attorney started Her strategies/tactics that resemble those of terrorist and are by NO MEANS in any child’s BEST INTEREST, It is unfortunate that the Family Law System is being exploited by greedy, malicious, narcissistic Attorney’s such as Mary Kathleen Caldwell. It is such a distressing time when a Marriage is coming to an end and on top of that you have to fight your (cheating/abusive/criminal) spouse in this Family Court System with people like Mary Kathleen Caswell continuing to encourage my Husbands Abuse, Power and Control with NO regard for the child’s true best interest. If you are interested in continuing to inflict trauma on the person whom you married and made kid/s with for nothing more than power and control, and will do it by any means necessary (she will alter electronic communications, change the facts to coincide with her depraved lies) She’s the attorney for you if you have No regard for your child’s best interest and the Trauma that this situation continues to expose the children to.
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22 Mar, 2015 by Brian
I called her for urgent help with a family law crisis. Although she didn't have time to take my case that week, she took about fifteen minutes to listen and give solid advice to help me get county authorities to enforce a legal order. She also referred me to a colleague who had the bandwidth to provide immediate assistance. Thank you very much!
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22 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Kathleen to represent me in what should have been a "simple" uncontested divorce. Her YELP reviews were amazing. While she was nice, she lacked the knowledge/experience to work with more skilled counsel and I ultimately had to let her go and hire someone who had more skill. If what you want is basic advice, I'm sure she could help, but the minute another attorney is involved, her lack of experience shows. I would love to have coffee with her or hang out, but I would not want her to be the one giving me or anyone else I care about, advice about how to end their marriage and care for their children.
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30 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Private Judge, Leslie Morgan, is efficient and professional. Clients sign a document appointing him as Private Judge, for just the one case. He is able to review written agreements prior to signing so that you are sure your document contains all the necessary information and required forms have been filed. Once the agreement is signed, Mr. Morgan has the documents filed at the court and returned to you. This process takes days, as compared to weeks or even months, depending on what county you live in. Mr. Morgan is very organized and responds immediately to emails or phone calls. I can't say enough about him. So grateful for his help and would recommend him to anyone!
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27 Jun, 2015 by Joan
I was recommended to him by my sister because he represented a dear friend of hers. I was not able to come up with his retainer so he agreed to barter with me to photograph two of his daughters bat mitzvah's and a shoot with the kids Ginnie pig's later. I'm out $15,000. Without a single filing, no mediation date set, I don't know what to do.
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08 Oct, 2014 by Lori h.
I used Leslie Morgan as a Private Judge in my divorce. My attorney encouraged me to hire Judge Morgan; it would make the divorce very fast. Instead, it took 4 years to get the decree, 5 years to get division settled and it's been almost 10 years since the divorce began and my ex still owes me > $150,000 but I still have to take him to court to get it.
He overlooked EVIDENCE and my testimony and accepted the testimony of my ex and I lost the opportunity for a BIG CHUNK of cash. Another time, he made an Order dividing everything and concluded the only difference was that my ex had $200,000 more than I did. At one point, he was trying to get me to agree to receive less and told me that I needed to give my ex "a light at the end of the tunnel."
He constantly accepted my ex's false testimony over my evidence or testimony. He refused to hold my ex accountable for disobeying his orders so I had to keep taking my ex to court and he still didn't respond effectively. In the end, I lost about 80% of my half of the assets. Lastly, he is no longer ‘sharp’ which I attribute to his age. He had difficulty remembering what he had ordered and allowed issues to be re-argued over my attorney's objection and he changed his mind and made new orders that SHORTED me money. I could add more complaints but then it would be more like a book than a review.
If you want to lose most of your assets to your ex....please use Judge Morgan.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Becky
I know this will be a little long, but this is important…. We used Ms. Bachtell for my husband divorce we had trust in her. That is now totally gone. Long story short…4.5 years ago we were in a pretty bad accident. Fortunately, everyone was not injured seriously. With that said…. Ms. Bachtell IS NOT AN INJURY LAWYER note to self. We called to get advice only. She said she could handle it….well she did kinda NOT. There are things we did not know. Subrogation, the fact that we were not hurt bad was only a “soft tissue” injury. Blah blah blah….turns out if we had been told these two things it probably wouldn’t have taken 4.5 years and a mediator to settle it. OH and after that it literally took 6 months for her to finally settle it. The worse part she would have one excuse after another why she wasn’t on our case, out of state, at Lowes for a pipe that broke etc. etc. I am so angry it’s not funny. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE HER BUSINESS. Lawyers work on referrals. She is not a professional lawyer
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05 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Bachtell will take your money and provide a lot of excuses for why she hasn't done anything, but that's all she'll do. Something simple like returning calls or responding to emails/texts is asking way too much from Ms. Bachtell. It's been over 2 1/2 years since I started the divorce process - it's just been a huge waste of time and money.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
I don't even know where to begin... she ended up messing up so horribly.. I am now a single mom in $25K worth of debt because I had to hire a new attorney to fix things and keep me out of jail. she lied, ignored emails and phone calls and talked with opposing counsel about my case after I fired her! RUN!!
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26 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Think twice before hiring , I got charged more than 10k. I have been married with my wife for two years and one month but I paid for expensive because he agreed with my ex attorney that I agreed to pay her child support but on the court judge said I don’t have to pay because our marriage period so short So you have to double pay one for this attorney second for child support which his mistake. You can get free consultation but you can hire someone else
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24 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous
Mr. Bergquist was retained at a crucial and desperate time and with very real hardship. He took my case with the promise of urgency, yet filed my paperwork in the incorrect jurisdiction (wrong Court) and failed to take swift and firm action as promised. I can quote him as apologizing for leaving me "on the back burner" when in fact he made clear and upfront promises to be strong and forceful in my matter. His apathy and lack of follow through caused me the loss of all joint assets after a 26 year (dependent income spouse) marriage, created protracted hardship and extreme stress resulting in never before experienced health problems. He blatantly went back on his word to keep communication with opposing counsel open and aboveboard by taking a conference in the Judge's private chambers thus excluding me from knowing what his disclosures and promises to the opposition were. The end result I was forced to go to trial after removing him from the case with no representation because he could not produce a settlement (I was willing to walk with next to nothing to avoid the stress and upheaval of a trial) and ended up with less than nothing due to debt and co-responsibility of my ex's 6 year tax evasion penalties. This attorney cannot be trusted and has no qualms or conscience of wreaking havoc on your case. My "case" is my life as I knew it or will ever know it moving forward, and the present and future stability and life of my children - Mr. Bergquist undermined my position and ultimately stole through his actions (or lack of).
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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Loewenstein scammed me out of $15000.00 and did absolutely nothing. We later found out he had a recent stroke and was forgetting facts and could not keep them straight. He then 'Sued" me for another $3000.00 just because he figured out he could and piled up bogus charges such as over $660.00 for copying 300 pages and so on. He lost the case! He actually lost the case before the judge to his former client. The judge said that in all years of practice as an attorney, he had never seen billing done in such unaccountable manner! I lost over $18000.00 to this man for nothing. Watch your back with him.
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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:
-
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.
