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05 Feb, 2024 by James
I worked with Robert as my attorney for the last 2 years for my custody case. As a unmarried father in Minnesota, the odds are definitely against you. Robert was there for me through and through, and he wouldn't quit fighting for me to have equal parenting time with my son. We just recieved the good news, after going to trial, that we won! I was awarded joint physical/legal custody with my son! I couldn't have done it without him! He's made a bigger impact in my life than he knows! I can't wait to spend quality time with my boy. A special shout out to his assistant Amber as well. If I ever had a question about the small details, she was always there to answer it for me. Thanks again guys!! If you want an attorney that will fight for what you deserve, I'd definitely recommend Robert Manson Law.
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05 Jan, 2024 by Beth
Robert Manson was referred to me by a very good friend of mine. She was extremely satisfied with his work with her brother’s divorce proceedings. Based on that referral, I had the utmost pleasure in meeting with Robert Manson to discuss my divorce issues. Immediately it was evident that he was focused on what was fair and reasonable for me and my son in the divorce. He was able to provide a safe space for me to discuss my issues, what my goals were and allow me to ask for the things that were needed in making sure I was able to get through the divorce proceedings fairly with his ongoing support. His knowledge and experience of Family Law is invaluable. Especially since he has sat in front of so many Family Law Judges, he really has a wealth of experience in what to expect when there are issues that are being argued between parties in Court. He also was always available when any emergency occurred. He knew exactly what to do, took the appropriate action and was able to advise me on what my next steps were to be. He validated my concerns throughout the process. He also never compromised the safety of myself or my son in any decisions that were made throughout the proceedings. In a time that was very stressful, he made it so much more tolerable. I would recommend Robert Manson anytime for any Family Law issues that one may have. You will be extremely satisfied during a tough season of high stress.
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14 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I hired Robert (Bob) to represent my daughter and I in Family Court. I was seeking full legal and physical custody of my daughter. When Bob and I first met, we were quickly able to see my situation was in dire need of legal assistance. As a single father, this was by far the scariest thing I have faced in my life. Bob was able to take a pragmatic approach, explain to me the processes within the court system, and guide me through litigation with confidence. There were false claims of abuse and Bob was able to not only deal with them, but to bring an emergency motion that granted me temporary custody. As a trial lawyer, I couldn't have been more pleased with Bob's professionalism, knowledge and legal advice. Bob represented me in court on several occasions leading up to and ultimately throughout a 4 day trail. Bob's experience and knowledge of MN state law was key in our outcome.
I was awarded full legal and physical custody of my daughter and mother had to do supervised parenting time. My situation deserved this outcome, but Bob was the individual who brought the argument to the court and ultimately won the case. He chewed up mother's expert witness. He also represented me in post decree matters and was always responsive and on point. His fees were reasonable as well.
I have since referred my friends and family to seek Mr. Manson's services if they find themselves with any family law issues. They have all been as pleased as I was with his services.
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20 Mar, 2019 by Timothy
He will get you what you want. Most determined lawyer and I had a nasty divorce. He was able to get me what I wanted. Very happy!
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22 May, 2014 by Jenifer
In July of 2013 my world was shattered when I learned that my husband was not only cheating on me, but had moved our family to his home state of Minnesota to alienate me from my family and friends and divorce me. With my family and friends 1400 miles away, I turned to the internet and found Richard Caldecott.
Richard was kind and empathetic. He also pointed out he had been practicing family law for more than 33 years. I told Rick that all I wanted was to go home to New Hampshire. We had barely lived in Minnesota a year. Rick told me interstate custody was tough, costly and there was no guarantee. He never promised me a win. He was highly efficient in keeping MY costs down. His letters to opposing council were clear and to the point: Our intention was to return to our home in New Hampshire. My ex threatened to fight me for full custody and told me I was going to get a war. Well, Rick was instrumental at letting them know, that I was not raising my children in Minnesota for the next 14 years unless a judge told me I had to. Not long after Mediation, where 2 experienced lawyers agreed, after hearing the facts of the case, that a judge would allow me to return to my home state. Soon after, my ex realized he would not win against Richard Caldecott.
As devastating and traumatized as I was through this whirlwind process, Rick and his staff, treated me with kindness, compassion and constantly reassured me that I would be OK. A mere 5 months after I walked into his office sobbing and heartbroken, I left Minnesota to return home to New Hampshire with my children. I was awarded sole physical custody, child support, and we were HOME for Christmas.
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21 Sep, 2012 by Anonymous
My case started off with a nuclear bomb being dropped on me so to say. My case was a very litigious court case for custody with all kinds of false allegations and OFPs continuously placed against me from my ex-wife. Richard Caldecott methodically tore the case down one piece at a time. I started with no custody rights due to my rights being stripped from me at the beginning. I even had to see my children in a closed environment with professionals standing over me. This was the most humiliating experience I have ever had to withstand since I have was always been in the public eye. The professionals in this environment had already prequalified me as guilty of allegations not even in the realm of reality; so you can only imagine their treatment towards me.
With all of the above said at the end; I was awarded full “SOLE LEGAL” custody; even being in Anoka County where the county custody intake women told me “men do not have custody”! Richard is a shining star amongst a bunch of big shot money sucking attorneys I had hired prior. His billing practice is more than fair and he is there for you when you need him the most. His ability to craft letters to explain what is really going on is beyond stellar. I would like to thank my luck stars that I found Richard Caldecott and the friend that referred me.
This short letter comes from a parent that now has an amazing relationship with his two children that will last a lifetime. This all because of Richard Caldecott and his talented abilities as a competent attorney.
Thank you Richard,
the underdog parent
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10 Nov, 2016 by Fitti
Though the toughest times in my life Scott simply said no worries... Dont beat yourself up too bad... Or i will take care of it... I would highly recommend Scott's law office.
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07 Oct, 2015 by Jenny
Scott Martin has been a great help to me thru hard times. He was available on the weekend when no one else would return my calls. He has always responded to questions, and helped me before he asked for any money. After talking with him for only a few minutes, I could tell he was a genuine person who would do his best to help you.
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28 Oct, 2014 by Anonymous
Scott is an awesome attorney. He has been retained by myself over the years regarding different issues.
Very respectable guy around town. Don't hesitate to give him a jingle if in a jam~
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22 Apr, 2024 by Frannie seitz
Heather agreed to meet with me and provided incredible legal advice regarding my work contract. She helped determine my employer was wrongfully withholding earnings which resulted in them paying out my paid time off. I don’t think I would have been successful in battling my employer without her knowledge and expertise.
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27 Mar, 2023 by David zimmerman
Very helpful and makes me do my homework to clarify the details.
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03 Mar, 2023 by Lauren deyo and brantley deyo deyo
16 Aug, 2024 by Peter petros
Excellent, professional, courteous staff from their receptionist to the attorneys. I would highly recommend GDO Law.
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07 May, 2024 by Ben pederson
Great law firm and knowledgeable staff.
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09 Apr, 2024 by Dylan
Got subpoenaed as a witness by the county because I witnessed a crime— they were helpful and kind during the process. Thankfully it didn’t go to trial so I didn’t have to miss any work.
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
This attorney omitted labor market data that documents a racial gap in unemployment for monitories and furthermore, this attorney adds to racial injustice in our court system. I am encouraging all minorities to boycott this attorney.
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16 Dec, 2019 by Mary
My ex-husband wanted to take me to court to change a few items in our
divorce decree that I did not agree with. We were trying to reach a
compromise over email but that did not appear to be working. I called J.
Markiewicz Law Office to set up a consult.
The day before my consult with her, J. Markiewicz called me on the phone
and asked me to email documents to her so she could become better
familiar with my case. I emailed them to her. At the consult, we
discussed sending a letter to my ex’s lawyer with a potential
compromise. I hired her and placed a $2000 retainer. She wrote a letter
to my ex’s lawyer, but I didn’t want to send it because my ex and I were
still emailing about a compromise which we did within a week. During
that week, J. Markiewicz emailed and texted me to approve the letter
which I said I wasn’t ready to do just yet. After receiving a text that
she was uncomfortable with my waiting, and exasperated that I had to
defend working on a compromise, I told J. Markiewicz that I no longer
needed her services and asked for my un-used retainer back.
Despite the fact that we met for a “free” consultation, and the only
thing I authorized was the creation of a letter, J. Markiewicz only
returned a little over half of my retainer. She unethically charged me
$455 – over an hour of her time – for reading the documents that she
asked me to send to her before I had even met and hired her, and a
$117.50 charge just to “Open a new file.”
I asked J. Markiewicz to refund the charges since she was the one to ask
for the emailed documents before I had met her or hired her, and,
because she gave no upfront information about the “Open New File” costs.
She initially said she would be open to discussing this concern, but
then ignored my email communications until I filed this review. She has
since emailed and stated that she’d refund only $345 and that she’d
consider the case closed. She mailed a check for this amount which is
less than her unethical charges.
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14 Jul, 2017 by Ron
My fiance' and I recently engaged Ms. Markiewicz to help prepare a prenup agreement and had an absolutely horrific experience. It appeared that Ms. Markiewicz approached our prenup as a hostile divorce (rather than a loving marriage) pitting my future bride and I against each other, employing emotionally charged adversarial negotiation tactics and dragging out an expensive lawyer intensive process to...literally...the day before our wedding.
She dismissed the process I had proposed where my fiance' and I would work together (doing much of the work ourselves) to craft a fair and equitable agreement through an amicable collaborative process with guidance and feedback from our respective counsel. She also ignored my request to provide an overview of the process, key milestones and timeline that she would suggest as an alternative. Instead, she just moved forward in a manner that lead to a drawn out, time consuming, resource intensive (read "lots of billable hours") process that dramatically increased our legal fees; created intense stress, conflict and emotional trauma; and dragged the "negotiation" process out to...literally...the day before our wedding. And to top things off, she billed us double the hours that our other lawyer did...even though he crafted and authored the multiple drafts of the proposed prenup and the key legal documents.
This nightmare of a process resulted in prenup that neither one of us felt good about, legal fees that were 3-4 times what we had expected, a prenup that got signed the AFTERNOON before our wedding and an excruciatingly stressful...downright traumatic...process that led to my fiance' and I "breaking up" twice in the two weeks prior to our wedding (including 4 days before).
P.S. This review features no embellishment or exaggeration (and I have the email audit trail to back up every word). I had never met...or even heard of...Ms. Markiewicz prior to this prenup process, do not work in the legal profession nor have any other potential conflicts of interests. I invested the time to write this review solely in the interest of helping others avoid repeating what was one of the most traumatic professional experiences of my life. One that came very close to aborting my wedding and costing me the woman that I love, adore and cherish with all my heart.
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24 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Allowed personal biases to affect his actions/decisions. Specifically related to having religious convictions and or chemical dependency issues. If either of these exist he's likely to take action
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
