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28 Aug, 2024 by Debbie forte
I have always had great and very responsive service from the staff at Heritage Law Center. Matt is particularly patient and skilled at advising on complex issues. I would recommend Heritage fully!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Angela caggiano
David made this experience so smooth
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karen
I recently hired Matt Karr and his team to assist me with getting Mass Health for my brother. I did my due diligence in researching many firms that just specializes in this area, and made my decision to go with Heritage and am so glad I did! It can be a very daunting and overwhelming process to say the very least and could have never done on my own. They are extremely knowledgeable of all the nuances and intricacies involved in the ever changing process of these laws! The ParaLegal Kelly is amazing and knows everything there is to know about Mass Health and the application process. She is very thorough as well as patient in answering any questions I had and I had ALOT! Whenever I was stressed she would put me at ease in explaining the process in a way I would understand. I would highly recommend them to anyone and look forward to working with them in the future!
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28 Aug, 2024 by Debbie forte
I have always had great and very responsive service from the staff at Heritage Law Center. Matt is particularly patient and skilled at advising on complex issues. I would recommend Heritage fully!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Angela caggiano
David made this experience so smooth
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karen
I recently hired Matt Karr and his team to assist me with getting Mass Health for my brother. I did my due diligence in researching many firms that just specializes in this area, and made my decision to go with Heritage and am so glad I did! It can be a very daunting and overwhelming process to say the very least and could have never done on my own. They are extremely knowledgeable of all the nuances and intricacies involved in the ever changing process of these laws! The ParaLegal Kelly is amazing and knows everything there is to know about Mass Health and the application process. She is very thorough as well as patient in answering any questions I had and I had ALOT! Whenever I was stressed she would put me at ease in explaining the process in a way I would understand. I would highly recommend them to anyone and look forward to working with them in the future!
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15 Oct, 2024 by Jamie
Attorney Massaro was a tremendous help to me this month with a very contentious child custody case vs. My son's Mother. She got the situation resolved to my liking very quickly and efficiently, despite the opposition's flair for invented drama and false statements. Truthfully, most lawyers don't take on contentious case like mine in short notice but Attorney Massaro is on top of her game and went above and beyond. I highly recommend.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Janet nelson
Atty Massaro was amazing to work with. She had a very good grasp of my case immediately and was able to resolve it within a very short time period. I highly recommend her if you need representation. She is very knowledgeable in family court issues.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Janet
Atty Massaro was amazing to work with. She had a very good grasp of my case immediately and was able to resolve it within a very short time period. I highly recommend her if you need representation. She is very knowledgeable in family court issues.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Beverly s
Pam worked with me across many years as a consultant during a very difficult and emotional divorce. She is a bright and savvy lawyer who was also very personable and supportive when I needed it most. Across the years she consulted, Pam was able to help me navigate and understand not only what my legal rights were, but also those of my daughter. Additionally, I appreciated her honesty during some very difficult conversations. I would highly recommend Pam as an attorney or consultant, and will be forever grateful for all of her support.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Pam worked with me across many years as a consultant during a very difficult and emotional divorce. She is a bright and savvy lawyer who was also very personable, and supportive when I needed it the most. Across the years, Pam was able to help me navigate and understand not only what my legal rights were, but also those of my daughter. Additionally, I appreciated her honesty during some very difficult conversations. I would highly recommend Pam as an attorney or consultant, and will be forever grateful for all her support.
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15 Jul, 2024 by Hans blickman
My referral to Pam Schaefer occurred during a very confusing and stressful time.
My original attorney, who had very ably represented me, knew that there were remaining issues after the final ruling that would necessitate ongoing litigation. He was not keen on this, as he had developed an antipathy to my ex-wife.
He suggested someone different, and recommended someone he had very high regard for. I was apprehensive, needless to say.
During our first meeting Pam succinctly outlined the issues. She also accurately, it turned out, predicted the uphill climb we faced. Never wavering, staunchly in my corner, she and her office shepherded me through this very trying minefield.
Yes, it is true: after a settlement both parties should be a little unhappy. Schaefer law kept my unhappiness manageable. Much appreciated.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Debbie forte
I have always had great and very responsive service from the staff at Heritage Law Center. Matt is particularly patient and skilled at advising on complex issues. I would recommend Heritage fully!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karen
I recently hired Matt Karr and his team to assist me with getting Mass Health for my brother. I did my due diligence in researching many firms that just specializes in this area, and made my decision to go with Heritage and am so glad I did! It can be a very daunting and overwhelming process to say the very least and could have never done on my own. They are extremely knowledgeable of all the nuances and intricacies involved in the ever changing process of these laws! The ParaLegal Kelly is amazing and knows everything there is to know about Mass Health and the application process. She is very thorough as well as patient in answering any questions I had and I had ALOT! Whenever I was stressed she would put me at ease in explaining the process in a way I would understand. I would highly recommend them to anyone and look forward to working with them in the future!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Matt gibbons
Made the process as easy as it could be! I would highly recommend Heritage Law.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Debbie forte
I have always had great and very responsive service from the staff at Heritage Law Center. Matt is particularly patient and skilled at advising on complex issues. I would recommend Heritage fully!
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07 Aug, 2024 by Karen
I recently hired Matt Karr and his team to assist me with getting Mass Health for my brother. I did my due diligence in researching many firms that just specializes in this area, and made my decision to go with Heritage and am so glad I did! It can be a very daunting and overwhelming process to say the very least and could have never done on my own. They are extremely knowledgeable of all the nuances and intricacies involved in the ever changing process of these laws! The ParaLegal Kelly is amazing and knows everything there is to know about Mass Health and the application process. She is very thorough as well as patient in answering any questions I had and I had ALOT! Whenever I was stressed she would put me at ease in explaining the process in a way I would understand. I would highly recommend them to anyone and look forward to working with them in the future!
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31 Jul, 2024 by Matt gibbons
Made the process as easy as it could be! I would highly recommend Heritage Law.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Matthew curran
Everyone at this firm is extremely respectful and understanding. I would recommend to anyone seeking legal help.
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10 Aug, 2024 by Carson neagle
20 Jul, 2024 by Jade hill
07 Aug, 2024 by Angela caggiano
David made this experience so smooth
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06 Aug, 2024 by Doug
Attorney Callahan Gill is great.... Very Professional and courteous...
I have used her services twice and I would recommend her and her LAW Group to anyone looking for some fantastic Bankruptcy lawyers .... 5 STARS
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24 Jun, 2024 by Alyssa guarino
David was referred to us by our real estate agent and we understand why! He is meticulous and thorough in both his work and explanations, and is especially patient with first-time home buyers. He always presented a range of options when discussing problems and solutions and is committed to getting everything right and the way the homebuyer wants. Moreover, he's just a friendly guy who explains things well and not in legal jargon. I would highly recommend him and will be happy to work with him in the future.
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28 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Anna did a great job negotiating my severence agreement against an unethical company. I did better than I originally thought I would. She listened and was the only one who called me with updates directly.
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26 May, 2024 by Brendan
Attorney Shapiro went above and beyond for me and my family. She genuinely cares about people and will work hard for what’s right. She blew my expectations out of the water. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a lawyer. And would never hesitate to hire her again. Everything was done in a very timely manner and she kept in touch with me every step of the way. I’ve used a lot of lawyers over the years and she’s the only one I would recommend to people!!
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30 Apr, 2024 by Alexander
Attorney Shapiro exceeded all my expectations. My case was a wrongful termination and discrimination case, as I was laid off shortly after requesting PFMLA leave. During our consultation she validated that I had been wronged by my previous employer, and took the time to discuss the nuanced and sensitive aspects of my case.
The whole process took several months to play out and she was extremely professional and communicative throughout. Where Attorney Shapiro really shined was during the negotiation of the settlement. She was in constant contact to guide me through as we rejected the first several low ball offers. By the time negotiations were through, we had a fair settlement! Thank you Attorney Shapiro!!
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23 Dec, 2023 by Parli
When i went to Marc I was scared, emotional, stressed & lost with no clue of what had happened to me specially alone & far away from my home country Nepal here in the US with only help of my family friends. The minute Marc heard my story, did the discovery, saw all evidence & went deep into my matter he instantly figured i was used, played & betrayed. Talking to Marc right from the beginning i felt a sense of relief as he listened to me, he was very calm, supportive, clear & was extremely thoughtful. His attention to detail, dedication & he even helped me get through with the right suggestions as my ex had put a ARO on me, blamed me with creating all types of difficulties including taking possession of all my family assets & had total control of a joint bank account. I had lost faith & had no hopes of recovering from the emotional & financial trauma i was going through & the emotional stress my family went through at this time. The minute Marc decided to take my case from that day onwards i felt a sense of trust, kindness & along the way as i had more meetings with him felt a sense of relief & I was hopeful for the rite judgement & justice which finally happened for me, it did take a little while but i got all my family assets back , got compensated for my loss & was finally able to recover from the loss me & family had to go through. Today i truly believe in what Marc had told me in the beginning which was to be honest & have faith & I did rite from day one & it worked. He handled everything so well. I’am satisfied & so content & finally able to move forward & start a new life. I can never thank him & his team enough for what they’ve done for me. The amazing outcome. Also I would like to thank his team specially to Christopher Sambataro for being so helpful, supportive & kind & i genuinely recommend GRIMALDI/PESIRIDIS
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23 Dec, 2023 by Jyoti
"Truly a praiseworthy lawyer!" Marc grimaldi one of the best lawyers I know.
He is excellent at what he does and also an amazing person.
We truly appreciate all that Mr. Grimaldi , chrishthoper sam barato and mr Grimaldi’s team has done.
We remain in his debt.
The successful outcome of my sons case proves Mr. Grimaldi to be a competent and trustworthy attorney.
He surely made the right decisions to protect my son throughout the entire process. My son got Justice due to mr grimaldi and his teams faithfulness , dedication and mr Grimaldi’s knowledgeable teams approach In my sons case . .
He was always helpful in answering any questions .
My sons case not only saw the light of the day but was won . Justice was served . A nightmare became a dream to my son and us .
Thanks mr Marc grimaldi, chrish and the whole team . Senate and JYOTI
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09 Feb, 2023 by Tim
I hired Marc’s firm four years ago because an extremely contentious situation involving my ex. I was referred to him by a family friend and I retained him almost immediately. After four years in litigation, the firm literally won every battle along the way, keeping my son safe and in the end, I came out ahead. Would refer Marc and his firm to anyone going through a really tough divorce that needs tough representation. It’s really that simple.
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17 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I am a client of Kathleen. and completely satisfied with my experience with Kathleen on her legal services
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14 May, 2019 by Sean
I hired Kathleen for a pretty serious (for me anyway) case in Woburn. From day 1 she was professional, kind and straight to the point. She went over all my options but kept fighting for the best outcome. She didn’t give in or settle. She kept pushing the State for the best outcome. In my case, she secured a dismal but even if the outcome was different, I wouldn’t have gone with anyone but her! She knows everyone in the courthouse and knows how to fight for you! I would hire Kathleen again in heartbeat! Well worth it!
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02 Feb, 2015 by M
Attorney Reynolds is a professional compassionate lawyer who represented me on a bogus case. She stayed focus on the facts and my best interest. She is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I would recommend her in criminal or family court.
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12 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Tiffany helped me to draft legal documents. She was very professional, knowledgeable and thorough. She offered me a lot of great advise and was very flexible with her schedule. She had my paperwork done in a very constrained time. I had great experience working with her and would recommend her to anybody who needs legal service. Thank you Tiffany!
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22 May, 2017 by Jerome
Divorce & Custody battle, Tiffany was with me every step of the way. Great woman to have your side. Wish I was closer, I'd use her for EVERYTHING.
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05 Sep, 2023 by Kim trites
We reached out to John Mateus for
legal guidance on a home we purchased in 2017. Unbeknownst to us the yard was littered with Japanese Knotweed, foreign debris and endless amounts of glass.. we were up against a contractor who wouldn’t stand by his product and remedy the wrongs. We were threatened and harassed.
Fast forward six years and John is the one person who stood by us, fought with us and for us when no one else would.
In September 2022 we finally reached a judgment after a week long jury trial, the builder was found at fault. Because of John’s legal knowledge and endless drive we had a successful judgement. Throughout the years leading up to the trial, John stayed in constant contact and communicated any and all information. He answered any questions we had, breaking down anything unclear to us. Most importantly he never gave up, he never let the uncertainty of this new case, never before tried issue diminish or cloud its potential and our rights all while keeping us aware that the outcome may not be in our favor.
John is honest, accessible, fair, competent and has your back. We can’t recommend John Mateus enough.
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01 May, 2021 by Tara mclauchlan
I am so thankful for a friend who referred John G. Mateus to me when I needed a last minute attorney. He was so helpful and willing to go above and beyond to help me and he was great at reassuring me along the way! I would absolutely recommend him to all of my friends and family if they ever needed a strong, dedicated Attorney!
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11 Feb, 2020 by Pamela wright
So glad that I found John Mateus to handle my case! He’s a very professional attorney who provided great guidance and clarity in laymen’s terms. Though the process took longer than I had hoped, the outcome was ultimately a successful one. Would recommend him to others.
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01 Aug, 2024 by Anastasia
I had the pleasure of working with Atty Chernus during an extended and challenging custody battle and litigation. From the beginning, Atty Chernus demonstrated an exceptional blend of compassion and ruthless professionalism, which made all the difference in my case. Navigating through this highly stressful period, I was constantly reassured by Atty Chernus's deep understanding of family law and her ability to dismantle the arguments of the opposing counsel, who was both unethical and high-conflict. Her strategic approach and thorough preparation were evident in every court appearance and filing, turning the tide in our favor.
What sets Atty Chernus apart is her genuine compassion for her clients. Despite the often overwhelming nature of family law cases, she consistently went out of her way to provide the support and understanding that I desperately needed. Her empathy and dedication were not just comforting but also empowering, giving me the strength to face the challenges head-on.
I am incredibly grateful for Atty Chernus's unwavering support and expert legal guidance. She not only protected my interests but also ensured that justice was served. I highly recommend Atty Chernus to anyone in need of a skilled, compassionate, and fiercely professional family law attorney.
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4.7
13 Reviews
4.8
23 Reviews
06 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
Chris was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. I was in need of legal advice for a matter regarding pet custody (yes pets, not children), and he gave me his time and expertise and advised me on numerous solutions and paths to take. I really lucked out, because he has actually dealt with this type of issue in the past. I left feeling confident, and I am no longer scared of what to expect should my issue escalate. He was funny, educated, and patient with all of my questions. While I hope I do not ever need legal services again, if I do, I will confidently go back. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Based on how he carried himself, and how he offered multiple options and how they may play out, I would recommend him for other types of custody / divorce issues as well. I did not feel pressured or rushed, and everything he said was clear and well laid out to me.
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21 Mar, 2024 by N cole
10/10 do NOT recommend hiring Austin unless you want to be taken to the cleaners during the most vulnerable time of your life. Austin deliberately ignored every valid argument that I had and failed to do his job never filing the necessary motions all while taking thousands of dollars from me.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Luciana chacón
Excellent service offered by attorney Austin, recommended 100%, he helps communities from all over the world, Brazilians, Latinos, I am very grateful to him!
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09 Apr, 2024 by Raquel
I hired Amanda to help me with a very complicated divorce/ custody case and she worked very hard for me. She gave me attention when times were hard. She fought for my rights. In the end she was able to win. Because of Amanda, today I have my rights restored and I am very grateful.
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31 Jul, 2023 by Teresa gendron
I can only say good things about this firm. Tom McKinnon was so helpful in helping me get my mother's things in order. Could not have done it without his help. There are so many things that needed to be done but we accomplished everything we started out to do. Highly recommend.
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31 Jan, 2023 by Dick caro
They are a first class estate planning company. Services are not cheap, but complete. They are a trusted provider of this legal service.
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13 Mar, 2017 by Andy
Stig helped me mediate a difficult divorce. I should say "helped us", since he showed complete impartiality, and only had the goal of an equitable settlement in mind. During the process, he frequently stated that we would know we were successful if neither of us walked away completely happy, and also that, despite feeling discouraged, everything really was going to be alright. I can say in hindsight that I was not completely happy with the result, and I'm guessing neither was my ex-wife (...thus proving his point that the settlement was equitable), but also that, a year and a half later, everything really is alright. I want to thank Stig greatly for getting us both through this difficult time, and I would heartily recommend him to anyone else requiring a truly professional mediator with a very big heart.
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14 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous
I highly recommend using Stig as a divorce mediator. If you have to get a divorce, a mediated divorce is much better than a court judged divorce - a trial divorce could easily cost another $30,000 and more in court/lawyer/testimony fees for each party.
I was in a very difficult and dragged on, over two years, divorce tangle. My Ex-husband abandoned his family. He simply took off one day without any discussions about the 28 year marriage. I was in shock while he hired a lawyer and tried to scam me to the terms he offered.
He missed many pre-trial hearings while his second lawyer trash talked, provoked, and prevented the formation of a out-of-trial divorce agreement. It was not until when my ex-husband has almost used up his $30,000 pre-paid lawyer fee, he was willing to try mediation.
Stig knew divorce laws very well, both my ex-husband and I trusted his assessments and judgments. He tried to be fair to both parties, and worked very professionally, diligently, and swiftly in creating and modifying the mediation documents. We had so many last minute disagreements, phone calls and emails, but Stig was willing to stay and work with us to iron out the differences. He treasured and highlighted any positive interactions we gave to each other during our mediation sessions. We finally came to a divorce agreement half an hour before our final pre-trial court time, after the three of us have finished a two-hour conference call while I was at the court house.
Now my divorce was final and I have been trying to recover. I really felt it was much less stressful and much economic to me to have a mediated divorce. This was like having a controlled landing, mediated divorce, over a crash landing, court judged divorce. I considered myself lucky to have a mediated divorce.
Do yourself a favor, appoint Stig to mediate for you. Stig moves "mountains" in divorce cases!
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13 Jan, 2017 by Christine
Stig put me at ease right away, about the process, the fees and the level of care he showed for the issues. Very practical, able to defuse tensions fairly, patient and took the time to answer all questions.
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18 Jul, 2024 by Alfonso delucia
Worse attorney ever!! Would not recommend to anyone!
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03 Jan, 2024 by Ari b
19 Dec, 2023 by Andrew sylvia
James Cullen is an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend him.
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02 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Ten years ago I hired Attorney Robyn Briatico for a messy divorce that I was about to enter. The first time I met with her was on a Saturday morning. She came into the office to meet with me and listen to my situation. I knew at that point that she was the lawyer I wanted to represent me. She cared about what I was going through and I knew she was going to fight for me. She wasn’t afraid or intimidated by the battle that she was going to have to fight. She stood by my side through my abuse, divorce and restraining order. Every time I called her or sent her an email she always responded immediately. Any hours of the day she was very responsive. She provided me with good advice and looked out for my best interest and the interest of my young children. When I finalized my divorced she told me she would always be there for me if I needed anything. Who really believes that? Well, I do. Ten years later I called Attorney Robyn Briatico for some advice. Without hesitation Attorney Robyn Briatico answered my call phone. It brought tears to my eyes to know that she meant what she said. If you want a lawyer who is honest, listens to you, fights for you, caring and knowledgeable Attorney Robyn Briatico is your person. Thank you Robyn for all of your support through the years!
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30 Apr, 2019 by Steve
I have worked with many attorney's in my life, but none with the level of professionalism, knowledge, and compassion that Robyn provides. She truly cares about her clients, is always accessible and fights hard to get results. I used her for a modification, and only wish I had known her earlier for the initial divorce where I gave up much more than I needed too, and then struggled to stay compliant. A divorce is an emotional time and Robyn is an expert at helping to filter through the emotions, deal with the facts, understand your rights and fight to get a deal that's logical. My situation was really tough with changes in my life and income years after the original divorce which I thought would never get resolved. But Robyn was there to work through it all and set me back on track. A real life-saver! I highly recommend her in every way!
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21 Dec, 2015 by David
Going through a divorce is not easy, and the choosing the right attorney is hugely important. I am writing this recommendation for Robyn Briatico because, without question, she is the best divorce attorney in the business. Here’s why.
First and foremost, she answers phone calls and returns messages promptly. This seemingly common sense approach is rarely done consistently. Robyn walks the talk here. She is clear and understandable, and works exceptionally hard on your behalf. She’s not a blind supporter in the sense that if you ask for unreasonable demands, she will tell you your strategy will backfire. Moreover, when your emotions get the best of you, Robyn has no problem counseling you, advising you. She is warm-hearted and sincere, yet fierce in your support when needed. She has your back at all times. As some attorneys use delaying, game playing or other hardball tactics, these are easily met with a sophisticated and effective response by Robyn. For example in my case, the opposing attorney conveniently failed to reply in a timely manner, seems like there was always a lot of “confusion” right before we went to court the next morning. If that meant we had to get on the phone at midnight to go over the details (something the opposing side expected us not to do), Robyn simply would say “yeah, no surprise, let’s just talk this out.” Robyn is also an excellent judge of character. She accurately saw that all the verbal deals, assurances, and promises made by my now ex-wife (that I believed) were complete lies. The result? Robyn recognized this pattern of behavior would be a long term problem post-divorce for me and, having my back without my having to ask for it, she documented the largest divorce settlement she’s ever produced.
I received a divorce settlement with no detail left undefined and I am so thankful now that I have this all in writing. This was something she could have easily skipped, but she didn’t.
Robyn goes above and beyond, is fair-minded, fierce when challenged, and an all-around excellent person. Anyone who needs a lawyer should give her a call and have a conversation. That’s how I started, and it’s made a major positive impact on my life. Thank you Robyn!
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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.
