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13 Sep, 2024 by Cindy p
DuPont Title Group has helped me to close several rental homes as well as my primary home. I’ve worked with other settlement companies and this is the best I’ve found. They are very responsive, professional, and accommodating. Highly recommend!
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10 Sep, 2024 by L p
Mr. Nawash has been an absolute lifesaver. He’s incredibly sincere and has been tremendously helpful throughout my case. I couldn't ask for a better lawyer. Highly recommend!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Moqadas islam
I am beyond grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Nawash's Law office and their team. They were all very professional from the moment I walked into the office.
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10 Sep, 2024 by L p
Mr. Nawash has been an absolute lifesaver. He’s incredibly sincere and has been tremendously helpful throughout my case. I couldn't ask for a better lawyer. Highly recommend!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Moqadas islam
I am beyond grateful for the outstanding legal services provided by Nawash's Law office and their team. They were all very professional from the moment I walked into the office.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Gary brown
I am retired lawyer and I have used attorney Nawash on numerous cases. I can say as a lawyer Mr. Nawash is a very competent lawyer in every way.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Wendy
My husband and I recently had the privilege of working with an outstanding lawyer ( Jesse Gadson ) who specializes in child support cases, family matters, and divorce cases. We cannot express enough how impressed we are with their expertise and dedication to their clients.
From the moment my husband and I reached out for assistance, this lawyer ( Jesse Gadson) displayed a deep understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in these types of cases. They took the time to listen to my husband and my concerns and thoroughly explained the legal process, ensuring that my husband and I felt supported and informed every step of the way.
What truly sets Jesse Gadson and office staff apart is their unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for my husband and I. They left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice and went above and beyond to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and meticulously prepare for court proceedings.
Not only did Jesse Gadson possess exceptional legal knowledge and strategic thinking, but they also displayed remarkable empathy and compassion. They understood the emotional toll that these cases can have on individuals and families, and always provided a supportive and empathetic ear.
Through the entire process, Mr. Gadson maintained excellent communication, promptly responding to our inquiries and keeping us updated on the progress of our case. The Gadson team is very professionalism and their attention to detail was truly commendable.
Thanks to the Gadson Team, their expertise and dedication. We achieved a favorable outcome in our case. We are forever grateful for their guidance, advocacy, and unwavering support.
We wholeheartedly recommend Jesse Gadson and his Team to anyone in need of legal representation for child support cases, family matters, or divorce cases. Mr. Jesse Gadson and his team have exceptional skills, compassion, and commitment to their clients make them an outstanding choice.
Thank you for all you have done for My family.
The HOWARDS
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28 Dec, 2023 by Joshua
Mr. Gadson is nothing short of a class act. His office was patient, reassuring, and most importantly - practical - in dealing with a very time sensitive case. He took in over a years worth of materials and had a full understanding of my situation, and charted a clear path to help me evaluate my potential outcomes. If you're looking for legitimate counsel who is truly reliable, I urge you to consider Jesse.
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20 Dec, 2023 by Burnice
The man don’t take no Bull and he means business and he takes real good care of his people whom he work for and fights hard for you and your family, he’s like a family member
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26 Jan, 2021 by Kamy
I have had an extremely positive experience being represented by this firm. I highly recommend--all the attorneys I've worked with are professional, prompt, and supportive.
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19 Jul, 2020 by Kakarot 81
09 Jul, 2018 by 이완수
법률사무소입니다
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04 Oct, 2024 by Sonja pohl
My settlement check arrived today and I will be eternally grateful to The Law Office of Leah Durant, her associates and staff for the efficient way they handled my case.
I would like to commend them for keeping me informed and making me aware of any new information. Anytime I talked to anyone in their office they were professional, pleasant, helpful, informative and made me feel valued.
As soon as the case was closed and the settlement was made available to them, they immediately sent it to me.
I would highly recommend them as they made everything easy and got results beyond my expectations.
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03 Oct, 2024 by Elaine phelan
we used Leah Durant to represent my husbands vaccine claim and can not say enough about the services we received from her and her wonderful staff and we had a great outcome would highly recommend 5 star ten out of ten Sean and Elaine
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01 Oct, 2024 by Deane southworth
Leah and her staff are amazing at what they do! This is not the sort of injury you would give to a typical injury lawyer. They walked me through the process and kept me informed the entire way, best of all the entire award for my injury was all mine! the government pays the attorney fees directly.
I would highly recommend Leah's firm to anyone who is unfortunate enough to get a vaccine injury! They will make the process easiest part of the injury.
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12 Mar, 2024 by Peace a
I Could not have found a better lawyer for my case, he always answered my questions and got back to me when he said he would, he didn't give me a run around when it came to getting information for my case. I don't usually trust lawyers but i trusted Mr Brynn because of how he handled my case from the beginning.
Ms Laverne was one of the first people i saw and she made my mum and i feel comfortable , as this was a few days after the accident, she asked how i was doing and left a lasting warm impression on my mum and I.
When it came to negotiating the settlement i was impressed with how Mr Brynn handled it , he kept me in the loop and asked my input about what i think , he didn't just dictate to me .He made me feel included in the process. I recommend him to anyone who is looking for a good lawyer .
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06 Sep, 2023 by Jessica denney
I’ve used this lawyer multiple times and have referred him to everyone I know. Works hard to help you get the most money. We were able to relax and heal knowing that him and his assistant would get things done. A really amazing, kind, caring lawyer. People like him are very rare definitely use this firm.
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30 Dec, 2022 by Edna farmer (sissygayle)
He is an excellent guy.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Marcela sanabria
Our family has achieved permanent residency thanks to the effective support of Hayman-Woodward. We are infinitely grateful for the support, guidance, structuring of the case and certainty in our process. Thank you for the great work done.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Mauricio campos botelho
15 Aug, 2024 by Junior daros
Bom dia Leo.
Extremamente grato por tudo!!!
Meu caso que chegamos a pensar que teríamos que aplicar através do family base, pela Gabi, foi aprovado. A ficha ainda nao caiu pra te falar a verdade.
Depois de 5 anos e meio, quase 6 anos lutando, uma RFE, 1 withdraw, 2 RFEs, uma NOID e agora o approval.
To be honest I can’t really explain what I’m feeling.
Esse país que eu amo, mais uma vez abre as portas pra mim, dessa vez de forma definitiva, através de vc e da sua equipe, Green Card garantido.
Eu desafio qualquer advogado nessa america debater o assunto imigracao com vc. Desafio os “bobo alegre” a provar quem conhece de imigracao mais que vc.
Quando chegou essa Noid, Gabi queria responder e eu queria withdraw mais uma vez… Ela te pergunta e vc manda pra ela: RESPONDE.
Calei a boca e respondemos. Estou aqui para servir como testemunha e mais uma prova do Leo e da Hayman. Meu agradecimento especial para a Leila que deu o sangue e suor nisso.
God bless you.
God bless America 🇺🇸.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Kristen j
Kevin just got the job done! I would refer him and will do so now.
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01 Oct, 2023 by Pooria
Honest, informative, authentic.thank you
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26 Apr, 2023 by Juan felipe paez
21 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Rollins and his partner, Ms. Chan, to assist with a legal matter. They overpromised and failed to deliver. After compensating them in full, they barely touched my case. They dropped the ball and they knew it. I was left was a distressing, undesirable result that I am still dealing with today.
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29 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Rollins has been amazing to work with. From the initial meeting he made me feel like I had nothing to worry about. He made me aware of what I should expect and kept me informed throughout the entire process!
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26 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Highly recommend. The Rollins and Chan Law firm was recommended to me by another lawyer and they did not disappoint. Best law firm I have used to date. Thanks again, Mark!
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24 Feb, 2019 by Elaine
When my husband of 25 years and I began the process of divorce we thought that ours would be a simple case and that we could essentially "handle" most of it ourselves. Luckily for us (and for our children), we invested in the Collaborative Divorce process and even more so that I had the Barbara walk me through the many painful conversations required.
From our first conversation I knew that she would take the time to listen to me while keeping the conversation focused on a just outcome for everyone. When I wanted to speed through painful or confusing aspects, she focused me on the process that she and her wonderful team knew would save time in the end, and when I wanted to cave in altogether she would not let me abandon my own interests.
Barbara said at one point: "It's obvious that the two of have you have come to this point in part because your trust has been compromised. Our goal is to use a PROCESS that you can both trust so that we can move forward."
It worked. While still a painful, our children were shielded from the worst of our impulsive and hurtful "solutions" and we were able to begin the work of co-parenting them from a much more civil and stable place. I will be forever grateful.
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20 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I was referred to Barb initially by a good friend after my friend's ex-husband was represented by Barb in their divorce. Even though Barb represented her ex-husband against her, my friend was impressed with Barb's professionalism, intelligence, negotiating skills, experience and reasonableness. Even though my friend, an attorney, was being represented by the top large family law firm in the city, she still referred me to Barb over her own attorney, who she liked. My case was difficult and complex because my ex-husband was an abusive husband and father with mental illness, but he was also ivy-league educated, active in the community and church, and on the surface a model, successful citizen and a persuasive liar. It took 4 years of intense high conflict divorce and custody litigation to unmask him and secure sole legal and physical custody and with my ex- only having limited supervised visitation with the children now. While he had 3 different top attorneys who bailed on him for various reasons, Barb was there through it all. The constant pleadings, hearings and trials, Child Protective Service, GAL issues, police calls, convincing scared and uncomfortable witnesses to testify for the good of the children, stress, disappointment in the family law process for failing my children and finally, justice! She is shrewd and savvy and full of hard fought experience. She was respected by all of the judges and I had 3 judges over the 4 years. She was very connected in the family law arena. She knew all of the opposing counsel we encountered, and referred me to various top notch support service providers, mediators, etc. She was compassionate and a great counselor but also firm and logical and didn't let me get caught up in emotion and off point. Most importantly, I learned a lot about the proper preparedness and organization required for litigation, the drafting of motions and responses, what are the main points that need to be addressed and what is extra or not needed. She explained everything she was doing to me so I understand why she was doing things or what shaped her position. Also, even though luckily I am not in need of her full time service, she always in responsive and makes herself available for my questions. Her staff paralegal and associates are great too and always treated me like family. I am constantly recommending Barb when anyone is in need of a family law attorney and my friends who never even met Barb but of course heard about her constantly also recommend her!
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20 Feb, 2019 by Danielle
Barb was a great lawyer and my divorce settlement. I really felt like she had my back through the entire process but also understood the delicate nature of the stressful situation of getting divorced. She was definitely an advocate for me which I really needed at the time.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Jennifer l
I made an inquiry call, and the attorney gave me a follow-up for the next day. I made several inquiry calls with other law firms, but only paralegals or office staff called me back. This was the first time an attorney personally called to review the case.
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30 May, 2024 by Jacqueline horner
Highly recommend Paulette Chapman! I was new to the worker’s compensation world and Paulette helped navigate the headaches, communicate promptly throughout the entire process and professionally kept me positive during frustrating situations.
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22 Feb, 2024 by Dana walker
25 Apr, 2024 by Francis kamara
26 Mar, 2024 by Johnpaul iweanoge
One of the best law firms in the DMV
Amazing and talented attorneys. U won't disappointed. Give them a call today. Highly recommended
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01 Jun, 2023 by Dl smith
Terrible communication! Not responsive, you are better off getting representation elsewhere.
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26 Mar, 2024 by Tamara prier
It was a pleasure working with Orlando and Erica. They were so helpful and kept me informed every step of the way with realistic expectations. They will fight for you and make sure you're taken care of. Highly recommend them... I would not hesitate any longer if I were you!
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06 Sep, 2023 by Abel awoke
Extremely great service.
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06 Sep, 2023 by Meron kassahun
02 Jul, 2024 by Bedstuy brooklyn
07 Jun, 2024 by Danielle “nelly” vinson
This law firm never answers the phone it took them a year to get my settlement and I would of made out getting a lawyer in my own city. Their communication skill are horrible sorry but if they would of kept in touch I would of gave them a better review. And better communication skills they would of got 5 star's. Then they Lost my cousin check smh.
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14 May, 2024 by Kasey fields
***Update**** everything worked out Great! I am extremely thankful for this firm. They work so hard and sometimes respond late. After I informed them of my concerns, they immediately responded and continued with keeping me in the loop.
Initial review:
Pros:
- The attorney's office was initially generous, helpful, and communicative.
Cons:
- Unable to contact anyone after receiving release form for settlement
- Passed on to Leslie and then Bryson with no response
- Feeling uncomfortable and unsure about the status of the settlement case. Starting to think it’s a scam! Patience, I understand. Lack of communication, I don’t!
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12 Feb, 2017 by El
I was facing a custody and child support case. I realized very late that as a Father and the initiator of my case I needed an experienced professional on my side. Mr Lopez worked through the night and positioned me so I was awarded joint legal and physical custody. He explained the truths and consequences. I will continue to use his services.
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09 May, 2016 by Andres
I had a family issue arise. He was quick to awnser my phone call and available 24/7.
He explained everything thoroughly and clearly. I will definitely be giving him a call again if i ever seem to need a lawyer. With so many lawyers around this area, I needed an aggresive lawyer on my side. Apart from being a very knowledgeable attorney what I liked most was the accesibility and attention I was treated with. I have not had the same experience with other lawyer I have dealt with.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Alan boyes
We used Newton Group and DC Capital to cancel our timeshare with Westgate Resorts. We were warned that they were the most difficult timeshare to end. We were kept informed of progress, and though it took a long time we had a happy ending and no longer saddled with this timeshare.
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06 Jul, 2024 by Ted bromund
Mr. Markowicz handled my family legal concerns with consummate professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy. I recommend him as an experienced, level-headed, and responsive advocate who has fees that are exceptionally reasonable.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Joel lazarovitz
Jeffrey Markowicz is an excellent attorney who always puts his clients interests first. He is fair, honest and takes the time to explain the answers to small or large questions. I would highly recommend him for anyone seeking an excellent attorney that takes incredible care of his clients.
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14 Jun, 2022 by David mitchell
Daniel Gross chose not to pass along information regarding the time and place that a court ordered arbitration would occur until pressed for details regarding when the arbitration would take place. It is an attorney’s responsibility to pass along all documents produced by the court to their client by not immediately passing along the document regarding the arbitration to his client, Daniel Gross failed to fulfill do what is required by his profession.
Daniel Gross held a meeting without my approval with the opposing party's attorney and decided not to appear when the arbitration was scheduled despite being hired to represent me throughout the entirety of the lawsuit.
It was communicated to me that Daniel Gross and the opposing party’s attorney agreed upon settlement terms before the arbitration took place.
At the arbitration, the opposing party’s attorney, Thomas E. Lester, who was described by Daniel Gross to be a friend of his, requested more than what
was agreed upon the settlement terms negotiated prior to the arbitration.
Daniel Gross failed to offer any alternative suggestions to any of the demands delivered by the opposing party’s attorney even though he was aware that Thomas E. Lester's terms were different than the terms that I agreed to prior to the arbitration.
The attorney, Daniel Gross, was terminated because I was not happy with the legal defense that I was provided with.
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15 Nov, 2013 by James
In a brief I was charged with a criminal charge of theft and the Det. in the case was lying.Dan Gross was able to prove to the court that he was lying and that I had been wrongly accused. I was well satisfied with Mr Gross performance and would highly recommend to anyone.
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21 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
I have seen Mr. Gross in court many times and have watched him work on cases. He has an outstanding grasp of criminal law and deals with both Judges and Prosecutors very effectively. In a tough situation, Mr. Gross is someone that I want fighting for me.
In short I highly recommend Dan Gross as your attorney. He will fight for you and get a good result.
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07 Mar, 2023 by Steven domenici
11 Jun, 2022 by Suzanne perry
I work here
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10 Jun, 2022 by Marina brizuela
El personal es muy amable un poco complicado la entrada cuando vas por primera vez
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07 Mar, 2023 by Steven domenici
11 Jun, 2022 by Suzanne perry
I work here
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10 Jun, 2022 by Marina brizuela
El personal es muy amable un poco complicado la entrada cuando vas por primera vez
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26 Mar, 2023 by Teh grl
Came here for a young real estate council event. The offices are hip and modern and very VIP vibe. If you get a chance to go do so!!!
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14 Mar, 2021 by Sharn rodriguez
Great food, great drinks!
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02 Jul, 2020 by Aubrey derricotte
26 Mar, 2023 by Teh grl
Came here for a young real estate council event. The offices are hip and modern and very VIP vibe. If you get a chance to go do so!!!
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14 Mar, 2021 by Sharn rodriguez
Great food, great drinks!
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02 Jul, 2020 by Aubrey derricotte
26 Mar, 2023 by Teh grl
Came here for a young real estate council event. The offices are hip and modern and very VIP vibe. If you get a chance to go do so!!!
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14 Mar, 2021 by Sharn rodriguez
Great food, great drinks!
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02 Jul, 2020 by Aubrey derricotte
06 Sep, 2024 by Osei king
if I could leave negative stars, I would. Do not waste your money with this person. He is too busy to review your case, and doesn't submit key evidence on time. He is an utter embarrassment. I would strongly recommend that you never do business with this person ever!
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02 Jan, 2023 by Dale k.
26 Nov, 2021 by Joseph jordan
15 Jul, 2024 by Zai knab
Nicole and Eric were a breath of fresh air!Nicole (super accommodating) saw me and heard my story and immediately got Eric. Eric was attentive and informative. Nicole & Eric were like a dynamic duo in the way they effectively & efficiently assisted me that same day/same hour whatever aid they were able to render. Going to the office is definitely a leg up because everyone would want assistance especially from these two.
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09 Jul, 2024 by Jose mendoza
10 Apr, 2024 by Cömert ïbrahim
23 May, 2023 by Nafish akram (pappu)
Hello friends
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27 Feb, 2021 by Ed green
18 Oct, 2016 by Issa thullah
13 Apr, 2024 by Liz martin
02 Mar, 2022 by Tairy hesticles
I was contacted about a class actio. case and it was requested that I speak with a paralegal for an hour during my workday. I was asked up front my gender and race. After an hour long conversation, there was a follow-up email explaining that my gender and race disqualified me from the case. I wasted my lunch giving valuable information for a case that they knew up front I did not qualify for. Thanks for wasting my lunch break.
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11 Nov, 2021 by Herve simo
4.0
16 Reviews
05 Apr, 2024 by Iris foster
Mr. Leizer Goldsmith is the Best of the Best. Thank you and your law firm for representing me. Iris Foster
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21 Jul, 2023 by Ski winter
Ms. Royal is pleasant to talk to and very helpful! She really puts an effort to help her clients which is a blessing since you don't see that with a lot of other attorneys. I highly recommend her!
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07 Jun, 2023 by Jayden x
20 Sep, 2023 by Eric villalta
01 Jun, 2022 by Kevin royster
Forget About It
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11 Apr, 2020 by William hughes
Working class law professionals.
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20 Sep, 2023 by Eric villalta
01 Jun, 2022 by Kevin royster
Forget About It
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11 Apr, 2020 by William hughes
Working class law professionals.
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23 Oct, 2012 by Michael
Great Lawyer - has some timely issues - however I would highly recommend this Atorney. I felt represented, very trustworthy, tough as nails - will champion your cause.
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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.
