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5.0
27 Reviews
4.5
49 Reviews
23 Oct, 2024 by Gary
Chris helped me with my car accident and got me a good offer. I would recommend chris for anyone's attorney.
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17 Oct, 2024 by Lora
My husband and I hired Chris after I was in a horrific chain reaction rear end collision resulting from a semi tractor trailer truck. He knows his stuff, he's on point, and explains things very well. He has worked very diligently on my case and I'm forever grateful for this. I would recommend Christo anyone who is in need of a great lawyer. Thank you Mr. Coppola
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17 Oct, 2024 by Rima
I am currently working with Christopher Coppola and have been extremely impressed by his professionalism and commitment to my case. He takes the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process and always addresses my concerns with care. I appreciate his proactive approach and dedication, which has made me feel supported and confident during this challenging time. I highly recommend Chris Coppola to anyone seeking effective and compassionate legal representation.
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25 Oct, 2023 by Bryce d
04 Mar, 2019 by Chris
Sam did a great job fighting for what I wanted and was very knowledgeable along the way. I came a long way from where I started with Sam compared where we ended up settling. He knows his stuff and will tell you realistically where you stand and gives you insight on both best and worst case scenarios. From a client stand point I didn't know anything about divorce and law and needed information about how the process worked and Sam again did a great job with any questions I had and walked me through the process of divorce and the time table of it all. I felt like Sam truly cared about me, my situation, and getting me the results that I was striving for. Overall I am very happy I choose Sam as my lawyer.
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24 Jan, 2019 by Natalie
Sam made the whole process of my divorce as easy as possible. He was open and up front about what to expect throughout. I appreciated his honesty and excellent communication. He made sure things moved along timely and kept me apprised of where we were at in the process.
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10 Jun, 2021 by Samantha wickersham
10 Oct, 2015 by Curtis
David handled my case to the best of his abilities. He was very reliable, insightful, and resourceful. He told me exactly what I needed to do to insure the best results. He is accountable, he showed up on time to court, and answered any questions I had thoroughly. He was a strong advocate to take my case to whatever direction I chose, while providing sound legal advice. He also kept good contact throughout the case making sure I was updated and prepared.
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09 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Jason helped me with a difficult eviction process . He gave me advice and treated both sides with respect and care . I really appreciated that . He was very helpful and kind .
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08 Feb, 2024 by Thomas
We contacted Jason to help my sister deal with home squatting situation. Although we understand he represents mostly tenants in these type of cases, his deep understanding of the law on both sides of the coin allowed him to pinpoint the best solution and follow it quickly to the end. We were most grateful for Jason's expertise as well as his kindness and professionalism throughout our short interaction in this matter.
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06 Apr, 2017 by Billy frazier iv
Great, reliable and stays in constant contact with Client, I'm very happy with his services and the outcome which is not guaranteed.
Very professional and dedicated to his duties
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.4
403 Reviews
11 Dec, 2024 by Connie wagner
23 Oct, 2024 by Erin jensen
Clarissa and Bronwyn were wonderful to work with. They took my case seriously and listened to everything I shared with them. They made it easy to complete and were able to make everything fair and balanced. I appreciate them both so much and recommend Hope Law Firm to anyone in the Des Moines area needing legal representation.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Megan haskell
I came to hope law firm during a difficult time in my life, for guidance on getting guardianship of a disabled family member who was struggling on their own. Scott Lyon, and Bronwyn, worked with me and helped me obtain temporary guardianship, which allowed me to seek medical care for my family member at the end of their life. I will forever be thankful I was able to help this family member. As for Scott and Bronwyn, they were very communicative, took time to answer any questions or concerns I had, fairly priced, and trustworthy representation, they also understood the situation as an emergency and squeezed us in for a same day consult. If you are looking for this type of attorney, I couldn't recommend this team more.
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06 Jan, 2025 by Jess massey
I hired Tricia after we were having some issues with my case. She went beyond what was expected. I put the deposit down and she kept a log on the time she spent working on the case. She sent me a check for the rest of the deposit that she didn't use. She gave me some tasks and got me in touch with congress members that gave me some more insight. Now everything is smooth sailing. If you want a GOOD and honest lawyer, hire Floyd Nielsen. If it wasn't for Tricia, we would be in the dark hole of NVC.
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31 Dec, 2024 by Allie & merwick
I highly recommend HBM Law Offices. Himani guided us through the Permanent Residency process, carefully assessing our situation and helping us make the right moves. Before hiring HBM, we were extremely stressed. With Himani’s expertise, we felt a great sense of peace and confidence. Thanks to her guidance, we successfully completed the process, and we are incredibly grateful that we had her support.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Alisa chechotina
I can't say enough positive things about Lawyer Himani! Thanks to her guidance, my husband and I received my green card in just 4 months —much faster than we initially expected. From the beginning to end, Himani was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. We're beyond grateful for their help and going to continue working with them! We highly recommend their services to anyone looking for an experienced immigration lawyer!
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21 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Going through a bankruptcy can be a scary process. Jeff will take away those fears with his professionalism, knowledge, caring and availability for any and all questions. One point I want to emphasize is the availability. Many attorneys are hard to get a a hold of and it is days before you get your questions answered. Not with Jeff, I never waited more than 24 hours for any answers and in most cases it was right away. You can not go wrong selecting Jeff as your attorney. He will calm your fears and get you to that better life where you are not worrying everyday about your bills. Thanks Jeff for your outstanding work!!!!
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10 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
Jeff did a great job with collecting my information, setting up meetings, and being with me during the meeting of trustees. I've never seen a process go as smoothly as this one did. Thank you for a job well done, Jeff!
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08 Oct, 2019 by Brad
Jeff was very considerate and respectful during a dificult time. His price was fair and he was very organized.
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4.9
18 Reviews
4.4
58 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
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5.0
2 Reviews
4.9
58 Reviews
12 Oct, 2024 by Elizabeth lemke
David, and Marica were with me throughout the process. From days after I got injured until the last day of our Mediation. Both would check in often as we reached each new step. I couldn't be more happy with the service they both provided. I was nervous but they eased my mind through it all. David and Marica even made it easy for me on days I could not make it to Des Moines. They'd come to me, or meet me half way. My family has actually used David's services in the past so when I got injured I knew to contact him immediately. David, and Marica 100% believe in getting their clients what is deserved, and treat you like more than just clients.
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07 Oct, 2024 by Dennie
30 Aug, 2024 by Hr pulley
Is it wrong to seek out a lawyer who is strong in competence and prudent in their decision-making? Steve Lombardi has been a man of integrity from the beginning of accepting us as clients, and he fought to exhaust every option helping us find resolution. Hard to find a lawyer who hates to lose nowadays so I’m grateful we’ve met Steve.
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19 Oct, 2024 by Christien hughett
I cannot say enough good things about Emelia, my attorney during my divorce. From the beginning, she was always accessible whenever I needed her, making sure I felt supported every step of the way. Emelia was upfront and honest about all the processes, which gave me a clear understanding of what to expect. What stood out the most was her genuine desire to ensure the best outcome for me and my children. She was willing to fight for what was right and wasn’t afraid to call out any missteps or unfair handling of the case.
At times, she was a fierce advocate—a real 'pitbull' when the situation called for it—but could also be calm, cool, and collected when needed, helping me stay grounded through the toughest moments. Thanks to her advice and encouragement, I pursued and was awarded a 50/50 custody arrangement, which was the best decision for my family. By the end of the process, Emelia felt more like family than just my attorney. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to have on my side.
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02 Oct, 2024 by Joyce beyer
I don’t know how I would have gotten through the divorce process if not for the guidance of Emelia Edwards. She was clear, respectful, and advocated for my best interests while I was struggling with the traumatic aftermath of surviving domestic violence. If you need someone in your corner, Emelia is the right choice.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Leyton temple
Divorce is really hard. So hard. And if you’re going through anything hard, I would highly recommend you have Ashley in your corner. She is so smart, but at the same time, so easy to talk to. She’s realistic, but compassionate. One thing that really stood out to me was her timely responses, and she never dropped the ball at any point during this marathon of a process. I would highly recommend Ashley.
Lindsay T.
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01 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I've worked with Ron on several occasions. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I cannot recommend him enough! He will always be my first choice when it comes to legal services.
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06 Sep, 2016 by Jean
Ron clearly knew the ins and outs of estate work, for which we hired him. He made me and my family feel we were in very capable hands after a most trying event, the loss of a beloved family member. Ron returned e-mails and calls almost immediately, often within a few minutes. He was thorough and detailed in his responses and in our meetings as well. He is capable of very assertive conduct when need be but for us as clients he was polite, friendly, and attentive to our questions and needs while being professional. He made certain I understood what I needed to understand (details when necessary) and that I could clearly see the process of dealing with and then later closing an estate in Iowa. Great staff, too. Fast and prompt. I recommend Ron Anderson and his staff most highly.
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14 Jan, 2016 by Jackie & lisa
Ron did a great job helping us with our wills and related paperwork. Very professional and timely. Easy process and well worth it. Worked with him before on other matters and is always very responsive and helpful.
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31 Jan, 2018 by Julie
I was given Debra Hockett Clark's name as their top recommendation from a local Des Moines attorney of a different discipline. Debra and I worked together through my very lengthy and ugly divorce that ultimately went to court. To do over again, I would not change a thing and am incredible thankful I had Debra by my side every step of the way. Debra has very high ethics, is extremely organized and always on top of every last detail that both she and I needed to be doing. She is extremely professional and is highly respected by her competition, the court system and their staff. This was very evident to me as we went through the trial process and the interaction others had with her. Unlike many divorce attorneys, Debra does exactly what is needed and the very best for the client, as not to incur extra charges or expenses. She is extremely knowledgeable and always educated me/gave insight on her recommendations of approach and strategy with what we were doing. She is always very well prepared and was a relentless advocate for me and my situation. I have since recommended her to every friend, acquaintance and client who is in need of someone who is very aggressive, yet professional and does the right thing all of the time. I highly recommend Debra and would use her without a doubt, should I have that need in the future.
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11 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Debra is a very knowledgeable divorce and child custody lawyer. One of the main reasons I think she is a great lawyer is because she tells it like it is. I didn’t always like what she told me to do but I did it. My situation might be different from most. I was a father of 4 and had primary custody of my children. My ex-wife, after I had remarried and moved on, started calling DHS routinely on us. Debra always handled all of these complaints directly. My ex-wife would take us back to court yearly for unfounded complaints. After the 3rd time Debra had added to my decree if petitioner files and looses the case they will be responsible for all court and lawyer fees. This helped keep me out because The court had always ruled against her. The last instance the court awarded me all of my legal fees because none of my ex-wife’s allegations were proven. this stopped all further court cases. If I was doing something Debra though would negatively effect me she told me to stop. She is an upfront and honest lawyer. She tells you how it is whether you like it or not.
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10 Jan, 2018 by Kim
Debra was great! She was always quick to get back with me on my questions and concerns. She always explained everything in full detail.
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13 Oct, 2022 by Ariela
Tara is a good lawyer. She is a no nonsense kind of person and that helps. She never promised anything or gave us false expectations. She was honest and direct. This was one of the most stressful situations we ever had to endure but Tara was always understanding without being overly sentimental.
She always answered when we called. She always answered our emails. She helped us reach an agreement that we could live with in a very difficult international custody case.
She was the only lawyer we consulted with that immediately requested to see evidence to back up our story and this was before we ever paid the firm any money. That really caused me to feel secure when hiring her.
I recommend her. As with any lawyer be clear with her about what you want from the beginning.
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03 Feb, 2022 by Megan
Ande was Absolutely amazing! From day 1 to the finish line,she was in constant communication,if you want an attorney who will walk right beside you during your case,she is the one! Look no further and know your in good hands.
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4.9
7 Reviews
4.4
58 Reviews
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
Read more
19 Oct, 2024 by Christien hughett
I cannot say enough good things about Emelia, my attorney during my divorce. From the beginning, she was always accessible whenever I needed her, making sure I felt supported every step of the way. Emelia was upfront and honest about all the processes, which gave me a clear understanding of what to expect. What stood out the most was her genuine desire to ensure the best outcome for me and my children. She was willing to fight for what was right and wasn’t afraid to call out any missteps or unfair handling of the case.
At times, she was a fierce advocate—a real 'pitbull' when the situation called for it—but could also be calm, cool, and collected when needed, helping me stay grounded through the toughest moments. Thanks to her advice and encouragement, I pursued and was awarded a 50/50 custody arrangement, which was the best decision for my family. By the end of the process, Emelia felt more like family than just my attorney. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to have on my side.
Read more
02 Oct, 2024 by Joyce beyer
I don’t know how I would have gotten through the divorce process if not for the guidance of Emelia Edwards. She was clear, respectful, and advocated for my best interests while I was struggling with the traumatic aftermath of surviving domestic violence. If you need someone in your corner, Emelia is the right choice.
Read more
26 Sep, 2024 by Leyton temple
Divorce is really hard. So hard. And if you’re going through anything hard, I would highly recommend you have Ashley in your corner. She is so smart, but at the same time, so easy to talk to. She’s realistic, but compassionate. One thing that really stood out to me was her timely responses, and she never dropped the ball at any point during this marathon of a process. I would highly recommend Ashley.
Lindsay T.
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
4.4
321 Reviews
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
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23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
Read more
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
Read more
10 Jun, 2021 by Samantha wickersham
10 Jun, 2021 by Samantha wickersham
11 Dec, 2024 by Connie wagner
23 Oct, 2024 by Erin jensen
Clarissa and Bronwyn were wonderful to work with. They took my case seriously and listened to everything I shared with them. They made it easy to complete and were able to make everything fair and balanced. I appreciate them both so much and recommend Hope Law Firm to anyone in the Des Moines area needing legal representation.
Read more
19 Oct, 2024 by Megan haskell
I came to hope law firm during a difficult time in my life, for guidance on getting guardianship of a disabled family member who was struggling on their own. Scott Lyon, and Bronwyn, worked with me and helped me obtain temporary guardianship, which allowed me to seek medical care for my family member at the end of their life. I will forever be thankful I was able to help this family member. As for Scott and Bronwyn, they were very communicative, took time to answer any questions or concerns I had, fairly priced, and trustworthy representation, they also understood the situation as an emergency and squeezed us in for a same day consult. If you are looking for this type of attorney, I couldn't recommend this team more.
Read more
4.5
128 Reviews
25 Nov, 2024 by Ron luchetti
Very courteous and professional
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20 Sep, 2024 by Travis lenig
Professional and thoughtful and made home closing for first time buyers easy
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21 May, 2024 by Karter smith
03 Dec, 2024 by Cephus wright
I was at a loss on how to handle my case and get what I wanted out of it. I now get to see my son every moment that I'm available to. It's all thanks to Ryan Gravett and his team. Shout out Emi and and the rest of SAGW for being on my team in this difficult time.
Read more
01 Nov, 2024 by Tasha larsen
Keep looking for a better law firm. There are others out there.
In the beginning they were great. Attentive. Action planned. Quick response time. It took my lawyer a full year to get my divorce settled. I know each case is different but we did not have a lot to settle on and we had no children. In the end I was the one pushing my ex-husband to comply. He had committed multiple contempt's of court actions. My lawyer explained the judge probably wouldn't side with me. I appreciated her opinion and chose not to take him to court. She still went through and wrote drafts (costing me more $). Once I finally got everything done on my own the law firm in general just stopped communicating. No more emails being answered. No more phone calls being answer or returned. They offered to write me a check when I was done with the business for less than my account had left in it. I wanted the full amount. The only way to get someone to talk to me was to show up at the office. At first I thought it was just my bad luck with a bad lawyer. It wasn't. It was the law firm in general. It may cost more money in the end but keep looking!!
Read more
05 Sep, 2024 by John gilbert
I retained Steven and his team to represent me during my recent divorce proceedings. These cases tend to be drawn out and emotional for all parties involved. Steve did a great job of explaining each step in the process, what to expect, next steps and timelines. Steve will represent you with fervor and determination which is exactly what I was seeking in my attorney. They are patient and fully understand the stress that is caused by these proceedings. If you find yourself in a position of needing to retain a lawyer to assist you with your divorce case, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you speak to Steve and his team.
Read more
3.0
4 Reviews
4.4
403 Reviews
11 Dec, 2024 by Connie wagner
23 Oct, 2024 by Erin jensen
Clarissa and Bronwyn were wonderful to work with. They took my case seriously and listened to everything I shared with them. They made it easy to complete and were able to make everything fair and balanced. I appreciate them both so much and recommend Hope Law Firm to anyone in the Des Moines area needing legal representation.
Read more
19 Oct, 2024 by Megan haskell
I came to hope law firm during a difficult time in my life, for guidance on getting guardianship of a disabled family member who was struggling on their own. Scott Lyon, and Bronwyn, worked with me and helped me obtain temporary guardianship, which allowed me to seek medical care for my family member at the end of their life. I will forever be thankful I was able to help this family member. As for Scott and Bronwyn, they were very communicative, took time to answer any questions or concerns I had, fairly priced, and trustworthy representation, they also understood the situation as an emergency and squeezed us in for a same day consult. If you are looking for this type of attorney, I couldn't recommend this team more.
Read more
31 May, 2024 by Chandra gangareddy
Mr Anderson was so helpful doing our will and answering our questions with our llcand the trust, thank you so much for all your help. Recommend to our friends as well
Read more
20 Jan, 2024 by Narayan & sangeetha
Great experience
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12 Oct, 2023 by Karen perry
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
Read more
10 Dec, 2024 by Jada alexander
Ben is the best! He answered all questions and eased every concern I had of the legal process. Very communicative throughout each step. Would recommend him and his office ten times over!!
Read more
23 Nov, 2024 by Donald valentine
14 Nov, 2024 by Jj johnnyutah
Mark did one of the best jobs I could have asked for out of an attorney on short notice. His billing was fair and his representation was firm with my childs best interest in mind. I couldn’t have been happier with finding him and my only wish was that I hired him years ago! Don’t look anywhere else if you’re a father in a tough divorce case.
Read more
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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:
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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.
