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12 Oct, 2024 by John
Sarah was outstanding in all aspects of helping me through this difficult time. She made going through this process much easier than I had anticipated. I cannot thank you enough Sarah!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
I appreciate how positive, prepared, supportive and aggressive you are Sarah. I witnessed You fight for me in mediation, I have no regrets having you be my lawyer in the hardest time of my life . If I can say 3 words to a husband that needs someone for legal matters .
Prepared , aggressive and worth it!
Thank you Sarah
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02 Feb, 2024 by Todd
Sarah was amazing, she made everything feel so easy, answered all my questions and made sure I understood all my options. She is so patient even after repeated and rapid changes in paperwork. She took all the stress off of me and takes the time you need and never made me feel rushed or unsure. I really can't say enough about about her just know she will take care of you.
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20 Mar, 2024 by Anson
Kirstyn and Catherine were great advocates when my Ex was infringing on my parental rights with visitation. So often, and particularly in WA State, fathers are at a disadvantage when trying to enforce parenting plans and court orders. Kirstyn was able to provide balanced advice telling me what is and is not possible based on our prior Court Orders, and we determined that my Ex was in fact in contempt. We then created a case and roadmap setting expectations of possible outcomes, and Catherine represented me in court. Even though the judge was blatently against us in court based on his opinion of our verbal argument (his own bias), the written contempt was ironclad and indisputable and as a result we won, creating better and healthier boundries with my Ex. I was even awarded some of the money from the judge based on the degree of contempt and Catherine's ability to outline the ramifications.
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11 Mar, 2024 by Kirsten
I hired Kirstyn for a custody case and couldn’t be happier with her and her team. She won my case without me ever even having to step foot in the courtroom. Kirstyn was always responsive to calls and emails with answers to any questions that I had. She is empathetic, fair, and most importantly she is motivated to help.
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28 Sep, 2023 by Collin
To say that I wasn’t in a desperate situation would be a lie. I didn’t know where to turn to, and I felt completely lost. I received Ms. Palmisano’s number for and I promptly gave her a call and she picked up. Right away she went to work and got everything that we needed to start. She is not only extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind, she is a great negotiator and communicator.
Her team is stellar and were always there to answer my questions. Thank you to both Catherine and Jennifer for putting in your hard work.
I am very grateful to have worked with Ms. Palmisano and her team and I recommend her highly!!
P.S
Kirstyn I’ll be getting you a monstera soon!!!
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27 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Gwynna helped me successfully mediate a divorce. I was given her name by my financial planner, as Gwynna has successfully helped high income people through a messy process. She engaged a forensic accountant, helping me trace a lot of assets as separate property. Well worth it! Really prompt communication on the status of the case. I wasn't always happy with the speed of the process but that's primarily because the other party hired a dork and things get worked in the order they are needed. Cory is an amazing member of her team. I knew if I found an error in one of his documents, I was batting 1000.
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08 Apr, 2024 by Gina
I found Gwynna through other reviews. I met with her for a complimentary personal meeting. I came prepared with questions and some paperwork. She was very up front with me about what would be realistic in my situation and how she could help. After our meeting I felt confident that she was the right person to represent me. Divorce is HARD no matter what the circumstances are (or are not). I had my ideas of how it would all pan out....but my way was not all the "right way". Gwynna was very much on my side, to be there to support me, guide me and calm me down when I felt like I was going to lose my mind! She was up front and very honest. Supported me, but also helped me understand how the court system (and judges see things) so that we could make this the best outcome for me. I do have 2 young adult girls, so there was no decisions to be made with child support. But we did figure out fair amounts to be paid towards college. It was a LOT of work (on my side and hers). I trusted her, she VERY MUCH knows the system and how things work. She was able to handle my husbands narcissist personality and was great at adapting to the 2 lawyers my husband had through out the process. I can definitely say that she took care of me throught this 10 month process, explaining things to me, working with me through the bad and good, got me through mediation (instead of court) with a good outcome, and really showed empathy and compassion. I highly recommend her to anyone going through a divorce!
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20 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Gwynna and her team excellently helped me navigate some of the most difficult times in my life. Gwynna represents herself, and therefore her clients, with the highest of all integrity. She did not “play dirty” when the other side chose to do so and helped look after the best interest of the children and myself above all else. She is also able to council and sympathize with care and compassion and most of all, patience.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Damani
Leslie did my Estate Plan for me. I had no idea what I needed. She took the time to explain everything, so that I understood and could make decisions that were right for me. She is knowledgeable, and caring towards people. I was anxious at the beginning. I left feeling so much better, and with my Estate Plan done and all in a Beautiful Binder with everything put in there organized. I would recommend Bottimore & Associates to anybody who needs to get an Estate Plan done!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Brie
Leslie handled my Divorce. She cares about people and has compassion for what they are going through. My Divorce was done within the 90 days, and we even had a Parenting Plan. I would recommend Bottimore & Associates to anyone looking for a Family Law Attorney.
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23 May, 2023 by Tessa
My husband and I hired Leslie after consulting with multiple lawyers about our complicated case seeking de facto parentage of our daughter. De facto parentage is a relatively new statute, and we wanted someone who was knowledgeable about this area of the law and felt confident navigating it. It was very clear from our consultation with her that Leslie was who we needed to tackle our case. It took almost a full year to get to trial, and Leslie and her staff were very supportive, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the whole process. Leslie works tirelessly to fight for her clients. I received many messages from her well after normal office hours when she was reviewing our materials, and she was available for last minute phone calls during our multi-day trial to console us and hear urgent concerns. Leslie won our trial, and we are forever grateful to her for it. We would hire her again in an instant.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Joanne
Jorge assisted me with an uncontested divorce settlement and filing. He is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and quick to respond. He always took time explain the process to me each step of the way. Jorge was very patient through a few challenging situations and always kept things moving forward. He gave me confidence and peace of mind which is exactly what I was looking for. I am grateful I used him for my divorce and would not hesitate hiring him in the future for any legal help.
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12 Aug, 2024 by Mohamed
Jorge was extremely helpful, respectful, and knowledgeable.
He has shown care when most other lawyers won't.
Extremely happy with the experience and highly recommend it for anyone else.
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06 Feb, 2024 by Joseph
Jorge is patient and highly productive. I have nothing to worry about with his help. Highly recommended!
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13 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
We cannot recommend Ashley enough. She helped us navigate a complex and emotionally taxing divorce case. The opposing party was extremely erratic, difficult and clearly displayed narcissistic tendencies that made the process even more challenging. However, Ashley remained confident, calm and exceptionally professional throughout. She and her paralegal, Sally, ensured that our questions were always answered with clarity, and we felt well-informed at every step. Ultimately, Ashley helped us reach a settlement that was fair and in our best interest, preventing a very costly and unnecessary trial. Incredibly grateful for Ashley and her team's support during this difficult time.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Tyler
Ashley Raymond was absolutely amazing. No one enjoys going through a Separation but Ashley made it a much easier process. Stayed on top of it the whole way, working with the extremely difficult other side and truly cares about her clients. 10/10 Would recommend and plan of doing so!
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04 Feb, 2024 by Rheagan
Ashley helped me through a contentious divorce that required a lot of communication and responsiveness on her part. She gave me pragmatic advice and negotiated a good settlement. She made a very stressful situation much easier to navigate.
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05 Aug, 2024 by Kent
Anyone facing divorce knows the financial and emotional upheaval that is about to descend on your life. Finding a competent lawyer to guide you through the divorce process can be a daunting task and I found such a lawyer: Sarah Brandon from North Country Law Office.
Sarah's calm, empathetic demeanor was a great support during the entire divorce proceedings. She always consistently steered me in the right direction to ensure the best possible outcome. Sarah’s advice on two separate occasions prevented me from taking actions that would have further complicated resolving an already emotionally-charged divorce.
Sarah is a firm, tough negotiator and with her many years of practicing family law, she has acquired exceptional expertise in divorce law. Her superior understanding of the law resulted in a settlement that will enable me to live a financially-secure post-divorce life. What was impressive is she held down legal fees by avoiding expensive litigation.
Regarding Sarah's fees, her retainer and other expenses were reasonable. She called and emailed only when it was necessary. Sarah didn't play the all-to-common legal game of driving up legal expenses with unnecessary legal maneuvers. She is honest, ethical and I would highly recommend Sarah to handle any divorce, from the simple to the complex.
Sarah is the owner of the law firm. Her office staff of Liz, Tasha and Katie understand how difficult divorce can be and they more than once put me at ease with their lighthearted sense of humor and kindness. The professional and personable services this firm provided made the rocky road of divorce easier.
Finally, I had the utmost confidence in being represented by a law firm owned and staffed entirely with women. My confidence was not misplaced as my ability to live a financially-secure life is due entirely to this firm. Thank you, Sarah, Katie, Tasha and Liz for your hard work and dedication.
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16 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Sarah did an amazing job helping me with my divorce. And her team was very helpful.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Sarah and her team did an amazing job handling my case. I was happy with their service the whole time and would recommend them to others.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Bev’s gear
Jackie and Troy were super helpful and precise with our filings, producing a great outcome for our family. Thanks you both so much!
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12 Jun, 2024 by Kristin baker
Chellie was great a simplifying all that was required. She worked with me to make the paperwork seamless.
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05 Jun, 2024 by Alicia macy
I cannot say enough good things about Joshua Brunner and his office, Envision Family Law. From the moment I met them, I knew I was in capable and compassionate hands. After a series of disappointing experiences with other attorneys who seemed more interested in their fees than my case, Mr.Brunner was a breath of fresh air. They truly listened to my concerns, understood my needs, and advocated for me every step of the way.
Their dedication to my case was evident in their meticulous attention to detail and their unwavering support. Mr.Brunner provided me with clear guidance and realistic expectations, always keeping my best interests at heart. Their expertise in family law is unparalleled, and their strategic approach made gave me the strength to keep going. Even when I felt like I couldn’t.
I only wish I had met Mr.Brunner and his team at the beginning of my divorce process. They turned a very difficult and stressful situation into a manageable one and restored my faith in the legal system. If you need a family law attorney who will represent you with integrity, empathy, and exceptional skill, look no further than Joshua Brunner, Envision Family Law Bellingham Wa
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21 Jul, 2024 by Justin
18 months after my divorce was settled, I was laid off. When I found work again, I took a significant pay cut, making it impossible to pay my original maintenance amount. Then my ex petitioned to relocate cross-country with our kids, while demanding I continue to pay well more than I could now afford. I consulted multiple lawyers, expressing my desire to oppose the relocation and request a decrease in support payment. Several said no immediately, one felt it would be an “easy win,” and one charged a fee just to meet with their “intake specialist.” In contrast, Scott was patient, empathetic, and balanced. He gave me a very candid and practical assessment of my situation, and his opinion on my chances to win.
After we mutually agreed to go forward, he was responsive, made himself available even when my schedule wasn’t convenient, and was very collaborative. When mediation failed, he demonstrated his intellect and deep knowledge of the law in court. My ex’s lawyer focused his efforts on attacking my character. We could have done the same, but Scott insisted we take the high-road instead. That, combined with the case law he cited, his handling of witnesses (mine and hers), and his sincere and respectful demeanor led the court to side in my favor on each motion, as well as their subsequent motions for reconsideration. I consider myself lucky to have found Scott. I hope I never have to go through this again, but if I do, it will be with him.
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02 Mar, 2020 by Robert
My ex-wife filed for divorce a year ago and her lawyer filed a restraining order against me immediately before a visit to see my son, despite the fact I did not reside in the state, and having no specific previous conflict that merited such an action. I had a free consultation with Scott who was very good at listening and sympathetic, and I decided to retain his services. He acted quickly to negotiate the withdrawal of the petition for a restraining order. Subsequently, a fair parenting plan was negotiated, which allowed me to see my son and contact him regularly while out of state, which was much better than the situation prior to my ex-wife filing for divorce, which depended on her whims. Child support was a concern, as my wife wanted an unreasonable amount of money, far beyond what I could afford. Scott was right in his interpretation of the facts and when he went to court the Commissioner favored his arguments, and the terms settled were fair. He was right on and did not waiver, which reflects his knowledge and many years of experience. Scott was always very aware of my concerns about costs, and he did initially give a very accurate prediction of final cost. In addition, he was always calm, polite, thoughtful, and empathetic with me, he built a rapport with my ex-wife's lawyer to negotiate, while being resolute in defending my interests. Getting divorced with Scott's representation was far less stressful than it might have been with another attorney.
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30 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I retained Scott Semrau as my attorney to help with me deal with a recent family law situation involving a false allegation of domestic violence restraining order against me which was later dismissed in court thanks to the excellent legal work of Scott Semrau. In addition to the dismissal of the false restraining order against me, Scott Semrau also helped me safeguard my legal rights to be a parent and not be alienated from my children by helping set up regular court ordered time with my children and a reasonable child support order.
Scott Semrau's legal strategies in court worked very well in all of my court proceedings and I can attest that we have won all of our court hearings and I have attained my my desired legal outcome.
One of the most important legal victory in court Scott Semrau has attained for me is the dismissal of a false restraining order against me which could have led me to lose my job and adversely affect my future employment.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
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02 Oct, 2024 by Rob a
I contacted Jack to ask for help with my Support Modification. After talking through the details and asks of the petition, Jack laid out the process in front of me to make sure I was prepared for all outcomes. The entire team quickly jumped on some immediate needs and scheduling to make sure I had the right support to put my best case in front of the judge. We had several hurdles to deal with as well as an impending trial date, but I felt like the entire team rallied around me to get me prepared. Josh and I worked together over several sessions to create a fair strategy and proactively address the key issues. In what was supposed to be my trial date, Josh quickly jumped on an issue that perhaps the judge had not reviewed key submissions and requested a continuance to make sure everything was considered. That instinct proved to be correct as the judge had not reviewed everything and while that pushed a decision out, it was the right move. I would use Jack, Josh and the entire Berner team in the future.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Karrie
I am very grateful for Jack Berner and his team. They were very professional, and thorough.
They knew exactly how to handle the case.
I will definately consult them, if I need legal services again!
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05 Oct, 2022 by Juan
My family came to Jack's Law office with quite a burden on our shoulders and a lot of confusion on how best to move forward. After a few consultations we decided to move forward with his services and I can tell anyone that it is 100% the best move we could have made. We ended up requiring his representation twice and came out on top both times. While I know, and it was clearly communicated to me that there are never any guarantees, I can confidently state that were it not for Jack's thoroughness, understanding of court procedure and strong ability to communicate evidence clearly, things may have gone very different for my family. He is an individual that will tell you how it really is and absolutely fight in your corner.
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21 Apr, 2024 by Surya
These are two things you are looking for in a lawyer when you are going through emotionally and financially exhausting processes like divorce, dvpo, custody and other family law matters. Court systems are hard to navigate when you have enough to take care as a single parent and while you are adjusting to your new reality. Brian helps take this burden off of you. He is highly knowledgeable and knows how to navigate these issues and address them appropriately. He is mindful of your finances and does a great job representing you, which is all you can ask for and expect. He listens, unlike a lot of other lawyers out there, he takes your input and advises on what the law dictates and advises accordingly. He is not brash but rather the kindest lawyer I've worked with, and I have worked with for almost 4 years. I must add that his para legal Jeff Welling has also been present to answer when Brian is attending to other clients; they are both highly responsive. I pray for continued success and well-being to Brian and his team and thank them for their time and efforts.
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22 Mar, 2023 by Mariko
I have worked with Brian P. Edwards and his team closely over the past 14 months. I am writing this fresh out of an arduous, complex circumstance and trial. While results are pending, I am compelled to share my experience.
What I needed:
Due to having several friends who are attorneys, I’m very discerning and had my own matrix for assessing potential counsel. I needed someone who could keep the things I most cared about center to their work. This person also needed to be highly competent in every facet of representation. Due to my circumstance, I needed someone who could tame conflict, not induce it. I found that person in Mr. Edwards.
My experience with Brian P. Edwards:
Brian’s vast experience in the court system makes him incredibly grounded. He has seen everything and cuts through the chaos, providing clarity. His approach is pragmatic and he’s highly intentional about how he works my case, saving me time and money. Through his actions, he demonstrates that my best interests are what he’s most interested in.
Highly insightful, he connected the dots in areas that I, myself, have professional experience in and didn’t notice. In the face of significant adversity, Brian demonstrated every effort to get my case settled. At trial, I had the opportunity to witness him effortlessly excavate the truth in ways that only someone who is an expert in the art and science of litigation could do.
Finally, it’s evident Mr. Edwards strives to enable families to live freely in peace. With over a year working together, I can say he’s a person of substantial character and a highly talented attorney. Brian is the real deal.
For those embarking on this journey:
I encourage you to get an understanding of the basic elements of the process - filings/motions, mediation etc. so you know what to expect. While I know Brian would happily detail out every step if asked, his time on your case will be best spent working your case. Create a support system around you, such as a therapist, other parents going through it, work out partners, etc. Engage the right people for the right things. Good luck.
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31 Mar, 2020 by Anonymous
Brian helped through a very tough divorce with custody at stake. Throughout the difficult process Brian was always upfront and honest about what he thought in terms of key decisions and what I wanted. If he did not think it was a sound path, he would say so and explain why.
Brian was always professional in dealing with myself, the court, and opposing counsel. In dealing with opposing counsel he was balanced in advocating for me within the law with a difficult spouse that caused many problems.
I would not hesitate a second in hiring Brian.
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02 Sep, 2024 by Nicolas
Karina was the person took my case, she has represented me for 2 years and everything I need was accomplished. Couldn't ask for any better help.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Selina
They provide excellent service, attention and are thorough. I appreciate the detailed explanation of my case and how they take the time to make sure I understand the entirety of what is being filed. Highly recommend.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Brandon
My experience could not have been better. The firm was professional fast and very very competent. Very nice and knowledgeable staff.
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30 Aug, 2024 by Lc
Yasmeen and her friendly and knowledgeable staff dedicated their time in reviewing, understanding and explaining my case as to not let anything slip through then cracks. I have had two previous attorneys for the same case, dealing with a highly contentious opposing party and Yasmeen was able to efficiently and effectively negotiate on my behalf to get me results that were beyond my expectations and truly impressive. Thanks to Yasmeen for all her hard work and expertise, my case was resolved successfully. I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding and professional service that I received. Yasmeen is competent, confident and experienced in handling cases that have many layers and it shows when she is in front of a Judge/Commissioner/Arbitrator. She took the stress and worry from my shoulders and can do the same for you. I would not hesitate to consult with and hire Yasmeen Abdullah.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I went through a HORRIFIC 2+ year long high-conflict divorce from a narcissistic man who verbally and physically abused me in front of our young child. Yasmeen was my 3rd lawyer and I am thankful to God every day that I finally found her. I could tell right away that she is a person of the highest integrity and retains expert knowledge of the legal process. Beyond those stunning traits, emotionally, she was my rock as she guided me through the incredibly traumatic process of extricating myself from my toxic marriage and fighting for custody of my child. My ex and his low-vibrating energy monster of a lawyer did everything in their power to break me: Manipulation, lying, defamation, disregarding court orders, twisting the truth, and hiring "expert" witnesses to try to discredit and demonize me. Yasmeen remained optimistic and unshaken, having full confidence every time I spoke to her that we would win. She encouraged me not to give up, even though I wanted to so badly so many times as this process nearly broke me as a person. But, in the end, Yasmeen came through for me and my child, and we won at trial in a big way. I can't say that I'll ever feel fully vindicated after what my ex put me through, but at least my child has me as the primary parent with full decision making, safe and supported, which makes the whole thing worth it.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Ahmad ghazal
Yasmeen, Erin, Sara, Nadine and Robin are amazing. I’ve got the best result possible in my Hague convention case & custody! I’m very happy to have my child back to USA, the process was smooth throughout the whole case using Abdullah’s law firm, they were always on top of everything, very communicative, always there for any question/concern & very transparent. During the court sessions Yasmeen was very confident, accurate & ready for all the judge questions. Yasmeen is very knowledgeable & familiar in the family laws, Hague & civil rights areas. As far as the cost is very decent & reasonable. I’ve had 3-4 consultations done else where until I discovered Yasmeen was the one, i felt she was the most familiar with the law, she was explaining a lot and I had a positive feeling from the beginning. I highly recommend Yasmeen’s office and very thankful for getting everything to my favor more than expected. Lots of support was offered. Happy holidays and keep up the great work guys!!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Julia
Jason is honest and just person.
He helped me with my child custody and my son is now graduated from high school . He was 7yrs old when I had to go through divorce.
Thank you.
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04 Oct, 2020 by Dustin
Mr benjamin helped me tremendously.
My cases was different, my son was born and his mother married. I had to prove he was mine and get custody of him.
Mr benjamin was fast,smart, and fierce in the courtroom. My sons mom didnt know what hit her. He proved that she lied was on drugs and was unfit to have my son.
He got me non parental emergency custody until we got the paternity test and proved he was my son.
You cant find someone better to represent you
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28 Aug, 2018 by Christina
I have hired Jason on multiple occasions to represent me over the past 8 years. My most recent case was supposed to be a simple child support modification filed with the state turned messy. I retained Mr. Benjamin to represent my children and I and get to the bottom of the discrepancies coming from the other party that the state did not seem to care about. No one has ever worked harder to get to the truth than Mr. Benjamin and his team. I received almost daily updates with every new discovery made within my case, phone calls from Mr. Benjamin personally to give me updates and to answer all my questions, and Melissa's accessibility and effectiveness is unmatched. Mr. Benjamin's passion and compassion come through in all aspects of his practice from consultations, depositions, hearings, and following up. He is calm, diligent, and the best lawyer I've every worked with. Every item that I needed addressed was handled and taken care of from start to finish and in a favorable manor. I am so glad that I had Mr. Benjamin on my side for this most recent case as well as my previous cases. I would rehire and recommend Mr. Benjamin to anyone that needed a family law attorney.
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25 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
Kim was my attorney during my divorce. I was glad to have done my research because, in hiring Kim, I picked an atty with a strong background in difficult personalities, mental health issues and complicated proceedings. My case did end up with multiple difficult surprises that could have devastated me financially and socially, but Kim got me through it without a scratch. I am a decent writer myself and work with lawyers frequently in my work; but I could NEVER have produced the legal artifacts (letters) that Kim did. They were extremely effective and served to close a very difficult process relatively quickly with an emphasis on ethics. My case ended up being difficult enough that I don't think the average divorce lawyer would have done as well for me. I recommend Kim without reservation.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I worked with Kim and her team on two separate but related cases involving divorce and child custody, the first containing rather unusual and complex international components. To her immense credit, Kim embraced this as a challenge and an opportunity to expand her legal expertise. I could hardly ask for a more hard-working, sensitive, and professional attorney with a strict attention to detail and organized, rational approach. Her knowledge of family law and the King county legal system seems to me unparalleled. Having Kim and her team on my side frankly provided the peace of mind that I could achieve the best possible outcome in the midst of what was a very stressful situation. I would recommend her services to anyone in need of similar legal assistance.
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28 Apr, 2023 by Sarah
Kim listened to my facts, and also my experience. I felt supported and guided through both processes, which was so important when moving through the big emotions and trying to do what's right for the kids. These things felt big and scary and confusing, and Kim helped me feel confident that I was making choices with good information and consistent communication.
I also valued her experience and awareness of all the other players in the process.
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27 Oct, 2022 by Christina a.
Hands down the best law firm out there! I contacted Attorney Scott Marlow last minute and he was by far, the friendliest, most helpful attorney in the area. Scott Marlow and his paralegal, Deborah Long, acted swiftly and effectively when preparing for my case. Perhaps the thing that impressed me most about Scott Marlow was that nothing was "sugar coated.” When you are in financial distress it is difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. He was very straight forward and told me what to expect each step of the way. There were no empty promises made just to keep the client happy, which I know sometimes occurs when seeking counsel.
Scott Marlow and his paralegal Deborah Long made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome. Scott Marlow and his paralegal were selected on a recommendation from a friend and was some of the "Best" advice I have ever received.
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06 Jan, 2021 by Mrs. ford
When this journey began, I knew I wanted the best representation possible. I did my research. I knew I wanted to be represented by someone ethical, tenacious, well-respected, and who would be a strong advocate for me! Bonus points for having good energy and a great sense of humor.
It only made sense then that I chose to work with attorney Scott Marlowe.
Fighting against a narcissist (ex) for my current husband to adopt my son was not going to be a fun or easy road, but Scott was ready to face the challenge and assured me that he would give it his all. He never gave me unrealistic expectations. I appreciated his honesty, diligence, and professionalism. He’s also super funny!
It was his sense of humor that sprinkled much-appreciated ease throughout one of the most emotionally exhausting experiences of my life.
It was a life-altering decision to hire Scott— one that I am and will forever be grateful for. It is because of Scott that we were able to win our trial rightfully, terminate the abandoner’s rights, and have my husband adopt my son.
Scott always made us feel like we were being taken care of and heard. Any concerns we had were addressed promptly. I never felt like I was in the dark. He and Royann Mercado Perez (his wonderful Paralegal) always kept us well informed. Scott’s presence in the courtroom is one that commands respect from both opposing attorneys and commissioners alike. I was proud to stand beside him and felt confident being represented by him!
Thanks to Scott, his knowledge of court processes, his knowledge of the law, and for him being an amazing human being, the deadbeat’s rights were terminated and my son is adopted by the one who has truly been the father to him that he has always deserved. Thank you, Scott, for fighting for our peace and justice.
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04 Jun, 2020 by Chris
Scott was super knowledgable and understanding of my simple but complicated divorce trial. Being very transparent of the court and my particular judge, he gave me the skills I needed in order to have an effective argument. Although the outcome wasn't what I hoped for, I felt that I was well prepared. Thank you, Scott!!
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19 Nov, 2020 by Jeff
Listening is such an undersung skill in the legal profession.
Ditto helping the client not feel like an idiot.
Amy has both skills in spades. They're a nice complement to her legal acumen.
When I work with Amy, she patiently walks me through my options in language I understand. And I always feel she's acting in my best interest.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Pete
I had a difficult family law case. Amy was organized and patient with me when I took a while to get all of the info she needed. She kept me on task and our result was better than expected. Highly recommended.
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16 Nov, 2020 by Elise
I have trusted Amy to handle my child custody situation since 2008. She is always available to answer any questions I have and gives great unbiased advice. She got me through a very stressful time in my life. She is a great family law attorney!
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27 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Alan was a great asset in our complicated divorce that involved a complex financial settlement, custody issues, and numerous attempts to escalate the situation from the opposing side. He gave me great advice from the initial discussion to the trial, he did a great job at preparation for the trial and he was excellent at presenting our case to the judge to ensure a good outcome. Alan also helped tremendously in efforts to avoid escalation and when the escalation was necessary, he did a great job at finding the right approach to achieve a good outcome. Alan and his assistant were always prompt to respond and tackle the issues at hand.
Alan worked with me closely to make our case, and choose a realistic course of action to deal with the most important challenges and to avoid wasting time and resources on things that did not really matter. Alan had great insights into every aspect of the divorce from financial issues to custody. He gave me advice on preparing the numerous documents, oftentimes avoiding additional costs. He was invaluable in protecting our child during and after the divorce. Alan understood the way the courts work and helped to ensure that the proposed settlement and parenting plan will be accepted by the judge, which is exactly what happened.
In summary, I was greatly impressed by Alan’s level of professionalism and ethics, and if you are looking for an attorney who will get the job done and get it done efficiently and well, I strongly recommend his services.
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17 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Alan is an excellent litigator. Responsive, reasonable, knowledgeable and prepared. There are no guarantees in litigation, so many variables. Your best guarantee is a competent lawyer. Mr. Funk is exceptionally competent and is very efficient with his time. He knows his audience well and delivers his cases in a way judicial officers appreciate. Alan is a tough opponent. Retaining Alan is a decision you will not regret. Alan’s staff is excellent, you will never feel like your case is less than top priority for his team. Highly recommend team Funk! You will not be disappointed.
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20 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
I want to thank both of you for the work you did for my nephew. My nephew had worked with several attorneys related to his divorce and child custody and the relationship he has had with you has been by far the best fit and the most beneficial. You had the patience and commitment to hang in there with him to implement a legal strategy that was he was unsure of, but ended up working. I know my nephew is grateful for what you did for him. He also learned a lot in the process about working with others. Having a good outcome at trial and more time with his son removed a huge stress and has allowed my nephew to put more time into not only his parenting, but also his work for the school district and his small business. All that seems to be going well. Having more time with his son has not only been wonderful for my nephew, but also for the rest of his family. It was a great outcome for everyone and wouldn’t have been possible without your work.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Alexis
Noelle goes above and beyond for her clients, and for the children. She does all that she can to help protect and defend her clients. She dives in, head first, in the most complicated of cases. I would recommend Noelle to any and all, if in need of a family law attorney. In addition, her staff is friendly and helpful. If you need an attorney to fight for you and listen to your needs, hire Noelle!
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16 May, 2024 by Tristan
Noelle and her team went above and beyond, the knowledge and advice throughout the whole experience was absolutely amazing and I felt like they truly cared. This is my second time using Noelle and each time I’m so impressed, she truly is one of a kind. Thank you Noelle and your team, we are forever grateful for all you did
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24 Apr, 2024 by Keith
I had gone to 10+ attorneys in the local area, and Noelle was the only one who accepted my case, as difficult as it was in the beginning. She was able to not only able to get me 50/50 custody of my kiddo, but was also able to get the DVPOs to be terminated sooner than they were going to be by the end of my divorce. Thank you for all your help!
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18 Nov, 2022 by Michael
It was so relieving having Raj handle my divorce. Two days after I told my ex I wanted a divorce she went into a court and filed a protection order, kicked me out of the house, and proceeded to hold my dogs hostage. Raj got the protection order dropped and helped reach a settlement outside of court that I feel was fair. My ex was very aggressive and vindictive, but Raj completely dismantled her in court and helped me have a successful divorce.
If you're going to be sitting in front of a judge, you can't afford not to have Raj on your side!
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15 Mar, 2022 by Michaela
After years of litigation back and forth, trying to go into court on my own and with a few other lawyers, I finally decided to hire Raj Bains. Mr. Bains is a no-nonsense kind of lawyer. He gives it to you straight and doesn't waste your time, money or resources. Finally after nearly 10 YEARS of trying to achieve a result in my custody battle, Mr. Bains was able to achieve this for me. He was the most on top of it, communicative, consistent, and reliable lawyer. I am BEYOND sure I hired the right attorney to represent me in such an important time in my life.
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26 Feb, 2021 by Alysha & alexander bossinas
Proffessionalism 100%
Family Custody Law knowledge\skill 100%
Bains law firm was such a blessing to our family.
Raj and his team helped us with the most overwhelming case immensely!! Not only did they successfully help us avoid trial, but we had multiple victories in court. Simply put, without his help & guidance we wouldn't have the custody visitation that we do. His experience knowledge and expertise in the law made a true miracle happen. He was the best lawyer we have ever used! We highly reccomend him as our case was too hard or difficult for any typical lawyer. Some of his best qualities are that he takes his job very seriously and is honest & forthcoming he keeps his word and gets the job done. Even his positive sense of humor lightened the stress of it all. Thank You Raj Bains & team for all your hard work!!!
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09 Dec, 2021 by Jennifer
Matthew Fischer is knowledgeable, detail-oriented and personable. Matthew and Shayla are a great team to work with. Matthew and Shayla worked closely with me to navigate a unique and complex family law issue. My case required me to have 2 attorneys at the same time. Matthew and Shayla worked closely with the other attorney and they were collaborative and timely. They worked an extremely time-sensitive case with ease and confidence. The attributes they displayed help me to stay calm and focused. The office staff is friendly and welcoming.
They will continue to be my team in any future legal matters. I highly recommend Matthew Fischer.
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02 Nov, 2021 by Shelley
Matt Fischer helped me with my divorce paperwork. I was working without an attorney and just had some general questions about the paperwork. He was very helpful and offered to help with any follow-up questions I had.
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27 Oct, 2021 by Colin
I have been working with Matt for the last three years. It is clear to me that he has a great passion for practicing law in a fair and ethical manner. He has been an excellent advocate for me in my case and has always given me honest and sound advice. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
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19 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Glenn patiently explains the law and gives sound legal advice, while also considering the costs and ethically billing for his time. Every divorce has different details to work out-some more difficult than others-so Glenn's experience and attention to detail were valuable to me. I would recommend hiring Glenn.
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22 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
I was provided with very useful information that helped in my situation greatly. I feel way more confident in my standing now and that boost to my morale alone has pivotal even in a short period of time. My deepest gratitude because this advice was done as volunteered time by Mr. Tanner.
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28 Aug, 2020 by Jj
I really appreciate the help received from Mr. Tanner and his assistant Kailee. Understanding and not pushy at all, professional and prompt response. The rate is very reasonable too.
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18 Mar, 2024 by Cole
Alana is amazing at what she does, in that she is very informative answering any and all questions, makes herself available especially in urgent matters pertaining to the case. Alana has an amazing professional presence and will absolutely fight for you in your family law legal matters.
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07 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Thorough work at a fair price. Very pleasant to work with and explained the process well. Alana did a great job working my case.
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15 Jan, 2024 by Bruce
Alana is a hard working and caring attorney that goes the extra mile to make sure you are taken care of. Whether it’s texting on the weekends or late at night communication, or last minute meetings, she is always there for you and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Thanks for being an amazing attorney and you truly are a diamond in the rough in this world of lawyers!
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01 Jul, 2024 by Anonymous
I recommend Mark Cassel highly. I hired Mark for a difficult divorce. Mark and his team did an outstanding job in a dedicated, and professional manner. Mark thinks and works very hard for his clients. Highly recommended.
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17 May, 2024 by Darren
I had the pleasure of working with Mark Cassell from Twyford Law Office. As soon as I started working with Mark he made sure everything I needed to get my life back was his priority. He got my apartment back within the first couple of weeks of working with him when prior to that I was out of my apartment for several months. He was very approachable and answered all my questions easily. His whole team communicated perfectly to me and sent me copies of everything. They responded to my emails and questions fast. they always made me feel like they had my back.
Mark is phenomenal when he is talking with prosecutor and Judge he holds himself in a very professional manner. I couldn't recommend him and his team enough.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Mark was very knowledgeable in a way that worked to my advantage. He was very empathic and calm, supportive, and swift in a difficult time. His paralegal and staff were helpful and courteous, too. Highly recommend.
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06 Dec, 2023 by Jocelyn
I hired Matthew Dudley not once, but twice! I have had prior representation several years ago, and it was nothing like what I received from Dudley. He is extremely direct and very blunt, he is going to tell you exactly how it is and not what you want to hear or what is going to make you feel better at that moment in time. After the emotion wears off, you will sit back and realize they were things you needed to accept and needed to hear. His representation style is aggressive. He doesn’t want to waste time or listen to the BS. He wants to get right to the point and say it how it is. This was very hard for me at times to hear, but it was the truth. This man will not let you down.
Dudley is extremely intelligent, knows the law, and is a bulldog in the courtroom. God forbid I ever have to go through any other kind of court proceedings again Matthew Dudley is the only lawyer I would ever consider. He works so hard, on every case and in my personal opinion is by far the best lawyer in town. Not hiring Dudley for your own representation would be risking going against him on the opposing side and I promise you that is not a position you want to put yourself in. Hire Matthew Dudley, it will be the best decision you ever make.
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30 Oct, 2023 by Kjersti
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the advocacy and expertise that Mr. Dudley provided for me. I deeply appreciated the no nonsense advice and his help navigating the nasty divorce I unfortunately found myself in. You will absolutely want him in your corner!!!
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19 May, 2023 by Merri
Mr. Dudley was my lawyer for 3 + years and will be my future lawyer when the time comes. My case was a really tricky and sometimes complicated one. We were fighting my abusive ex and dealing with the case being even more complicated due to the ex being military court martialed and much of their investigation couldn’t be released to me or my lawyer. He handled the situation beautifully though, and quickly learned how to handle some of the information coming from the military. The ex’s civilian lawyer was persistent and a snake in the grass. He pulled every thing he could and put me through hell, but once again Mr. Dudley did an amazing job handling him and all the many many court hearings. Yes, he’s a little rough around the edges. He’s not your therapist, he’s not going to sugarcoat things; he’s to the point and hates wasting time. He’s blunt and gets the job done. He’s amazing to watch in court and he slammed dunked won my case. I definitely want him in my corner and would hate to be going against him.
All in all, he was a blessing to me and my kids. I will ALWAYS recommend him and definitely trust him as my lawyer to take care of things.
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22 Dec, 2023 by Matt
From the consultation it was clear that Lindsey was not only highly capable and incredibly knowledgeable, but that she was going to fight for ME. She was easy to communicate with, and the entire team was very helpful through the whole process. We ended up getting the results we wanted and I could not be more pleased with her work.
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19 Feb, 2023 by Anonymous
Lindsey was fantastic. I started out trying to do the whole agreement myself and she gave me tons of guidance before I even decided to hire her. Once I realized the asset pieces were over my head, and I needed a professional, she and the team at Bliss made everything so easy for me. We were divorced in exactly 91 days and we were able to divide everything smoothly and quickly. I can’t imagine a better divorce (weird thing to say, I know) and Lindsey made sure all the legal items were as smooth as could be.
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22 Dec, 2022 by Tina
From the moment I reached out to Bliss Law Group, I felt genuinely cared for in all my interactions. Whether it was the legal intake team, Attorney Rogers Paralegal Ashley and of course Attorney Rogers herself, I continually felt supported.
She is caring but Attorney Rogers is also a highly skilled attorney. The commissioner in my hearing even stated as much.
My initial consultation with her was very thorough and she laid out a plan from the get-go. I could tell she would be well prepared if I ended up with her as my counsel. I didn't realize how fortunate I was to find her at the time. Over the course of the next month, as she was helping me fight a DVPO brought against me, she was responsive, always answered any questions I had in a timely matter and helped guide me through the process. This was the first time in my life I had had to hire a lawyer and I am so grateful it was her.
The DVPO ended up getting dismissed in full. On top of that, because my declaration, supporting documents and Attorrney Rogers arguments at the hearing were so well done, the commissioner was able to see through the lies and was even able to recognize how my SO was using manipulative and coercive techniques as part of his case.
I highly recommend Attorney Rogers!
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21 Nov, 2021 by Tim
Thank you. Great response and concise to the point. No fluff. Greatly appreciated
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26 Jul, 2021 by Jeremiah
Great response. Quick and accurate. Gonna let all my co-workers at USPS know this guy knows his stuff..
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06 Mar, 2021 by Charley
Thong answered my question very fast and his advice was very helpful. I actually am trying to do more business with him in the near future. I would totally rcomend him to a friend.
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04 Oct, 2023 by Candi
Deanna was very thorough and professional and compassionate. She really listened and asked questions to get all the details needed. She worked hard to help me as a client.
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30 Jul, 2023 by Sean
Deanna and her team of professionals worked to resolve a complicated separation and custody case. Dealing with numerous issues as the other party made times extremely difficult, Deanna and her team were there for me every step of the way during a terrible time in my life. I'd highly recommend Deanna Rusch and her team, they worked hard to protect my best interest for my son and I.
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13 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Deanna came highly recommend to me by a friend that went through a messy divorce. From the consultation on, I felt at ease and supported by her and her amazing team. Deanna kept me informed and up to speed every step of the process. We were able to put together a plan that worked for all parties involved, I appreciated her recommendations and expertise.
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01 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
your team is super awsome , This law firm is like a big family, warming the heart, helping the helpless, gaining a sense of security and happiness. You can solve any family and marriage problem, which is conducive to social stability and spiritual consciousness.
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16 Jan, 2023 by Stephanie
After 6 years of struggling to finalize a horrific divorce, I turned to Georgia Petrie and the team at Heritage Law Firm. There were difficult challenges to face. I was states away from home in a area I was unfamiliar with 2 children. Finances were tough. There was a long military family life history. Many lawyers in this area did not understand military life challenges, laws, and rights. Georgia did. I was also harassed, given wrong information to try to scare me into making unwise decisions. Georgia provided facts to ease my fears and make educated choices. She worked efficiently and wisely with the team there to make sure it was as affordable as possible. Finalizing my divorce after all those years, and all the trauma associated with it, was the best Christmas present I have ever received. I’m incredibly grateful for Georgia and everyone at Heritage Law Firm.
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06 Jul, 2021 by Casey
I had some serious difficulties with another firm and went to see Glenn for a consultation . He offered me some reassurance and encouraged me to finish my case with the firm I already hired and paid. He told me that if I still felt unsatisfied that he would be happy to take on my case, but that he didn't want me to waste money unnecessarily. He spent the remainder of the hour talking to me and explained how the legal system worked and by the end of our meeting I felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders.
This was not my only consultation with Glenn, I met him on another occasion and again he offered me sound advice that would save me time and money when I wanted some documents modified.
He really is an honorable and honest guy. For any legal matters, I will only be going to him and his firm from here on out.
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23 Dec, 2022 by Michael
I first came across Christine Gallagher when I started researching for the absolute best divorce attorney in town. Two different firms recommended her as the best. I'd have to say that they were right. Christine is articulate, intelligent, conducts herself with integrity, but most of all, she is a warrior at heart. She won a case for me that was far from being cut and dried. I feel like she really went over and above for us, and will always be appreciative of the supreme effort she put into this. Worth every penny of the money spent!
On a side note, I retained Christine ten years ago as well to represent me through a divorce that ended up being reconciled. (Should have followed through, all I did was prolong the inevitable as it turned out). Anyway, at the time of reconciliation, she returned a large sum of the retainer money to me. That was unexpected at the time, I thought we had likely burned through all of it by that point, and I never would have questioned it if she hadn't contacted me to return the remainder. That type of integrity is rare these days!
If you find yourself in this terrible situation of needing a family law attorney, I do not believe that anyone better is out there, for any sum on money. She is awesome.
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08 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
I found Christine Gallagher so wonderful to work with. I had full confidence in her knowledge and professionalism. She is very attentive to detail while always keeping the big picture and end goals in mind, all the while looking out for my best interests. She genuinely cares about her clients and was readily available to me when I had questions or concerns, even on a weekend. Christine gave me full confidence that the end resolution would be satisfactory (or better, in my case) and I never felt alone going through this difficult process of divorce. She is also a huge proponent of children and is always keeping their best interests in mind. A friend recommended Christine to me, and I will be recommending her without reservation to anyone who needs her services. Thank you Christine!
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05 Aug, 2021 by Sierra
I cannot say enough positive things about Christine Gallagher and Elenor White! They are both incredibly knowledgeable, caring, dedicated and passionate attorneys, who work tirelessly for their clients.
My case was extremely messy and challenging, but they dove in headfirst and never hesitated to do whatever was needed to support my case.
I chose to hire Christine after a negative experience with a prior attorney, and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I chose Christine because I needed someone who would be willing to fight for me and for my children, and that is exactly what she did. Little did I know at the time that I hired her, that I would have the extremely fortune of working with a team of TWO amazing attorneys who passionately advocated for me both in and outside of the courtroom.
They were excellent at communicating and kept me apprised of what was happening throughout the process. They answered all of my questions and took the time to really understand my situation and to decide how they could best support me in my case. They were honest and upfront about the realities of my situation, but were incredibly empathetic and kind as well. If you are looking for truly exceptional legal representation, Christine and Ellie are just that!
I am extremely grateful to have them in my corner and cannot recommend them enough!
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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.
