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27 Sep, 2024 by Evelyn
My utmost respect and heartfelt gratitude to Lacey Marie Briasco and her firm with a special thanks to KJ. Attorney Briasco ultimately saved me from future hardships through the entire, unnecessarily prolonged divorce process due to the non responsive, extremely delayed opposing attorney and especially through the mediation proceedings. Attorney Briasco’s compassion coupled with her legal and negotiation expertise was effective in the very stressful and difficult process.
The outcome has had a positive effect on my future.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Zack
Lacey was recommended to me, and I was not disappointed in choosing her to help represent me in my divorce. She was straight to the point on what I could do and how things would go. She did not sugar coat anything and I always questioned with lawyers (as this was my first time using one) if they had the client's best interest or were more concerned about lining their own pockets. there were several times throughout the divorce process I didn't agree with what was being said and before I could comment Lacey jumped in and knew it wasn't fair or right for me. she truly cares about her client and was honest with me the entire time. I would recommend her to absolutely anyone who asked.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Stephanie
I hired Lacey to as my divorce attorney . I had been married for 24 years. She was terrific. She took very good care of me and made it as painless as possible. It took 6 months and it was all over. She’s very good at what she does. She made sure that my needs were met with everything, The office staff was extremely helpful. They took care of everything. Extremely efficient. I went to the office one time for mediation and that was it. I highly recommend this firm.
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01 Oct, 2024 by Trisha
Caryn’s firm prepared my family trust. I personally consulted with her on how to handle some complicated and tricky situations. Her advice was spot on and extremely helpful. She advised on items we had not even thought of or considered. Her explanations are precise, concise, and unconditionally principled. She is absolutely the first person I would go to if I were in need of legal expertise or advice.
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11 Jun, 2024 by Sylwia
I highly recommend Caryn for her exceptional service, support and professionalism. From start to finish, she and her team provided exceptional support, always available to answer my questions and address any concerns.
She made the entire process smooth and stress-free, clearly explaining every step along the way. This was very important to me, as I have no experience or legal knowledge. Her accessibility and dedication to her clients are truly commendable. I thank her very much for that!
If you need legal assistance, Caryn S. Fennell is someone you can trust for top-notch representation and care.
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22 May, 2024 by Lauren
I found myself in the middle of a challenging court case for child support and parenting plan modification, and my previous lawyer was not meeting my expectations. After being referred to Fennell, Briasco & Associates and conducting some research, I decided to hire them. They quickly took over and made remarkable progress on my case. I was genuinely impressed by the extensive background research they conducted and the extraordinary amount of time and effort the entire team invested. When we finally went to court, they skillfully convinced the judge to drop the claims against me, allowing me to settle for everything I wanted. I am extremely satisfied with the dedication and hard work of the entire team, and I highly recommend them to anyone. They are worth every extra penny for the exceptional results they deliver!
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24 Apr, 2024 by Angela
Thank you Alex,
If y’all need a lawyer these two can do whatever you need to be done, they fight for what you want!
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27 Jul, 2023 by Jennifer
Alex provided me with the support for a quick and peaceful dissolution of my marriage. Highly recommended.
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16 Feb, 2023 by Magic touch
Alex had to appear in court on our behalf with short notice. He was well prepared, his ability to read the other attorney and the judge and respond accordingly was stellar. I was very impressed with how he stepped in and stepped up to represent our case.
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24 May, 2023 by Anonymous
One of the best in Cherokee for sure. straight to the point and professional, Not guilty verdict in 20 minutes of deliberation.
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19 Jun, 2022 by Jamiel
He absolutely went above and beyond! He managed to get me rehab not once but twice! I would not even think to hire any one other than mr. Bishop if it came down to it again! Without a doubt, I deserved prison, and was so addicted to drugs and just hopeless but because of the chance I was given through Drew , I'm sober and have everyday to spend with my 1 year old baby!
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31 Jul, 2021 by Katie keais
Drew Bishop is an excellent attorney he goes above he goes above and beyond do returns phone calls and he's one on one he's very involved in carrying I couldn't ask for a better attorney who takes payment plans and works with you there's also another case he can't take
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28 Jun, 2024 by Connie
I used Brandi to create my Trust, Will and Living Will. Brandi was very easy to work with. She guided me through the process and answered any questions I had about the process.
I would highly recommend Brandi for any of these type legal needs.
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19 Jun, 2024 by Robert
Brandi was quick to respond to my many questions. She was patient with me when I was getting frustrated. She made getting a divorce as easy as possible considering all that was going on!
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08 Feb, 2024 by Leah landi
Brandi was so helpful to us in explaining everything and giving us step by step instructions, which we needed. Brandi answered many questions via email or telephone and was very responsive. I truly enjoyed working with Brandi and would hire her again if needed.
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01 Jul, 2022 by Patti
Laura Austin is awesome! I was very pleased. The best lawyer! Thank you so much for everything!
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08 Jan, 2016 by Knashawn
I meet Mrs Austin through the legal assistance program, and at first I thought she was just another court appointed attorney. You know the ones where they are assigned too many cases and because your not able to afford their services they give you subpar results. Not in this case, Mrs Austin treated me with respect and understood that everyone that finds them self in a criminal situation is not a criminal. So she actually looked into my case and found out the truth and then assisted me in any and every way possible. She even went and gave me information on different resources that were available to me being a single parent and with limited resources. I would highly recommend Mrs Austin for legal representation.
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28 Nov, 2014 by Heustace
AMAZING! is the first word that comes to mind when i think of Mrs. Laura Austin abilities, and knowledge. I can not thank her enough for everything she has done for my company New Serenity Inc. If anyone has the opportunity to run across Mrs. Austin and needs her help, I would recommend her without a doubt!
Thank you Mrs. Austin
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29 Mar, 2015 by Eleanor
I was referred to Meridith Green Bush by my realtor. I did not know her or her qualifications and was skeptical of retaining her. I had someone else in mind.
Frankly, she accomplished what simply could not be accomplished given time constraints. That, plus it was a quite complicated issue. I recommend Meridith Ann Green Bush without hesitancy.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Marc
Would highly recommend Meridith! She handled my wife and my legal forms - wills, power of attorney, medical directives when we moved to GA from Maryland. Very responsive and through in her review. She also handled my mother estate legal documents and helped my mom greatly in probating my stepfather's will and estate when he passed in 2013. Excellent attorney and great to work with!
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30 Dec, 2014 by Jennifer
I have personally used Meridith, I have also referred her to my clients. Not only is she extremely communicative, she goes above and beyond! Trustworthy, dependable, and extremely knowledgeable.
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21 Sep, 2018 by Tammy
Excellent attorney. Ms. Smith is very helpful and does a great job! I highly recommend.
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21 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous
Mrs. Smith was very professional, experienced and knowledgeable regarding my family law needs. I was able to consult with her, discuss the options available to me, and my case moved forward without issues. She was very easy to communicate with and was a pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend her as an attorney, and if i need an attorney in the future, I would certainly retain her services again.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Sara
I picked Alex and Lizz after interviewing 7 attorneys and their offices total. Yes, I did free and paid consultations for 7 different attorneys over the course of months before choosing H&K. My case is about relocating with kids after a divorce. Most attorneys gave me the same advice on how to start my case, but Alex gave me different advice on how to start that would please the court system. It sat well with me. I took his advice and hired the firm. I also could see the experience and fearlessness in Alex when my fiance and I met with him over zoom for a paid consult. Simply put, we liked the vibe and felt we'd have strong representation.
Little did I know I'd never see Alex again and all of my case would be handled by Lizz. Lizz told me from the beginning she has a very good memory, and she does. She picks up things from casual conversation and uses it later to your advantage. She remembers everything I tell her. She's got a lot of experience and she's very smart, she could tell how I was feeling and would push me along when I needed it or let me chill out when I needed that too. Again, my case was a relocation case and custody was at stake. I had paralyzing and crippling anxiety. Lizz not only handled my case really well, she handled me really well. If I had to ask her, I'm not sure if she'd say the case was harder or if I was!
Long story short, I dragged my case a little longer than I needed to (due to anxiety) but it still was resolved quickly. And it could have been resolved even faster.
Things I'll never forget about Lizz:
* She's incredibly sharp. Like incredibly sharp. Like, my fiance and I work in fields where there are highly-educated people doing some powerful things, but Lizz's sharpness to us was extraordinarily unique. She's smart, she's intuitive, she's clever, she's fast, she's detail-oriented, and she's strong!
* During my representation in front of the judge, some things were not going in my favor. I literally could see Lizz switching gears to begin fighting harder for me and protecting me. Which she did, successfully. But I literally saw it. In her tone of voice, in her body language, in the shift in how she sat in the chair. From the beginning of our meetings, Lizz never treated my case like another file #. She has passion and she cares.
In the end, Lizz won my case for me!!!
I hope when my case is completely closed that I never have to use family law attorneys again. But if I did, I won't even think about anyone else except Lizz. She's the real MVP.
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10 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
We're a retired couple who'd been procrastinating far too long about putting our affairs in order. We were very gratified to find Meredith and her team who were always available to answer our questions and put our minds at ease. We feel that our final wishes will be more than fulfilled and thank everyone for all of their help. and support.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Abigail hulce
Was a long road but we did it best lawyer hands down not just Kyle but his whole staff is amazing expecially Anna definitely recommend him and will be using his assistants in the future
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17 Oct, 2023 by Caroline manus
I could not recommend Kyle Koester as a lawyer enough! I came to him with a unique case that other lawyers did not want to take on as it was a challenging case. However, Kyle went above and beyond for me from the moment that I brought my case to him. His communication was amazing, he was very thorough and professional, truly cared about me as his client, & he fought for me in a very stressful time. He won my case and I’m so thankful I found him! In the stressful times that you find yourself needing a lawyer, it is so important and equally as hard to find someone that you can trust. Kyle is your guy!
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08 Oct, 2024 by Todd
I’ve used Jay a few times and he always does a fantastic job.
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02 Oct, 2024 by D.d holland
Jay Wall is hands-down the best attorney in Georgia! Jay is extremely knowledgeable, detail oriented, and most importantly fights for his clients. He is everything that you could ever ask for in an attorney.
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10 Sep, 2024 by Shad tree
quickly accepted my money that I paid and got nothing, does not respond to my calls
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04 Aug, 2021 by Leah
Georgia Law does not favor grandparents; Jessica worked with us in two separate grandparents rights cases. She negotiated a custody agreement and reasonable visitation agreement with the parents of our grandchildren. She has been a blessing to work with and understands how to navigate the difficulties of family law with compassion and expediency.
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17 Mar, 2021 by Matthew
Navigating a legal matter related to child custody can be gut-wrenching for anyone who's had to go through it. I didn't know what to expect, or even if the possibility of a positive outcome was likely. I read all of the reviews for family law attorneys in my area, and I am ever convinced that I made the right decision.
Jessica Chapman was honest, straight-forward, and a great listener. There was no "telling me what I wanted to hear," but rather providing the help that I needed navigating my options. I greatly appreciated Mrs. Chapman's honesty, superb understanding of the legal process in my case, and all-around expertise from the first phone call to the final resolution.
Mrs. Chapman was there for me and my son throughout every step of the way. From answering my questions with viable options based upon her real world experience, to actually working my case with expert skill, there was nothing in the service provided during such a stressful time that I would change at all.
I saw how the opposing attorney conducted herself, and Mrs. Chapman's ability, humanity, and all-around legal knowledge was highlighted even further in comparison. Again, I would not change a thing, and I have the utmost confidence in Jessica Chapman as a true, honest-to-God professional.
Saying that I won my custody case doesn't fully paint the picture of the outcome. My son won, and he and I will be forever grateful.
If you have any questions regarding a family law matter, do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Jessica Chapman. I cannot stress enough how much I got from even just the consultation. There are attorneys out there with skill who actually care, and Mrs. Chapman, from my own experience, is at the top of the list.
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25 Oct, 2020 by Felicia
My journey with Jessica, in family court over the custody of my child, began in 2015. After much research I decided to hire Jessica because she came highly recommended and had an extensive history representing children for DFCS. Once meeting with Jessica I knew she was the perfect match for what I was looking for. Every call, email or meeting I had with Jessica she always took the time to listen to my concerns without rushing me. As we all know when dealing with our children’s best interest and making the right decisions for them the stress levels quickly go up. So therefore I, as a parent tend to want to attack but Jessica always maintained her composure and gave me her honest professional legal advice as well as helping me to continue to see the full picture of what we were dealing with. In 2015 I had no idea what I was walking into but Jessica did a great job of making herself available and spending the necessary time going over every option and scenario with myself and my family. This case came to a close and I was very happy with the end result. I then had to hire Jessica again in 2018 when I relocated my family out of state. Returning to the courtroom to receive the judges approval to move my daughter out of state made me very nervous and scared. Jessica was immediately available to take my case and get to work very quickly. She guided me through the long process step by step with extreme compassion and professionalism. Having Jessica on my side has been a blessing beyond my initial expectations. Although I don’t wish custody court on any family I would highly recommend Jessica. You won’t find a better attorney with the determination, intelligence, compassion, knowledge, experience and poise like you will find in Jessica.
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5.0
20 Reviews
4.6
157 Reviews
17 Aug, 2024 by Brad morrell
I'm a mortgage lender. Hartman always does a good job with real estate closings. Very dependable. Never any issues.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Zach smith
Used them 2 times now. Highly recommend them for any legal needs.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Mr blackmon
Todd orston was sooooooo helping answering my questions and patient we need more people like him on the planet 🌍
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17 Aug, 2024 by Brad morrell
I'm a mortgage lender. Hartman always does a good job with real estate closings. Very dependable. Never any issues.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Zach smith
Used them 2 times now. Highly recommend them for any legal needs.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Mr blackmon
Todd orston was sooooooo helping answering my questions and patient we need more people like him on the planet 🌍
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17 Aug, 2024 by Brad morrell
I'm a mortgage lender. Hartman always does a good job with real estate closings. Very dependable. Never any issues.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Coty
So …. My life has been kinda crazy in the last year, but fortunately I met Tim, and he’s helped me get through ALL of my problems. Please take the time to read everything. This is an incredible testimony. My life would have been ruined without Tim !
In May 2023, my son’s mother and I separated. She planned to take my son away from me and move off to FL.
Tim helped me put a stop to that immediately. We filed a motion for legitimation and custody, and that came with the added bonus of a standing order.
So in response, my ex made some really nasty false allegations, and filed for a TPO. Her plan was to force me out of our sons life, get our standing order dropped, and have me locked up. This was the scariest thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life.
So I hired Tim to represent me for this as well. 30 days later when we got to the hearing, he turned her world upside down. The TPO was dismissed, the state had no case or potential to try and pursue pressing criminal charges, and we established a temporary parenting/custody arrangement until we could have a final hearing for the first case.
I’d also like to add that I had to meet with an investigator three times because of all of the insanity mentioned above. Tim went with me each time and took care of everything.
As the months went by, I was able to keep seeing my son two weekends a month, and FaceTime with him regularly. This kept us close, in touch, and prevented the need for a Guardian ad litem down the road. That saved me a LOT of money and time for our case.
In June 2023, I got into a really bad car wreck. Tim offered to handle the personal injury case for me, and we were able to get a settlement for 60 K.
In January 2024, I was in another car wreck …. So I asked Tim if he wanted to take care of another personal injury case for me. We’re still currently working through this case, but it’s looking promising with a settlement around 50 K.
In June of 2024, we were finally able to make arrangements for mediation. In just 3 1/2 hours, Tim was able to get me almost everything I wanted, and my ex and I settled.
During the entirety of everything Tim and I have faced together - 4 separate cases in 14 months, I haven’t had to speak to or answer questions from a judge one single time. This is EXACTLY how you want things to go in legal proceedings.
This man literally saved my life, allowed me to keep my freedom, kept me in sons life, and has helped me win more $ then it cost me to do all of this.
If you find yourself in some bad situations like I did, I recommend you give Tim a call. He was worth every dollar spent and helped me get through the most difficult time of my life.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything Tim
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20 Jul, 2024 by Zach smith
Used them 2 times now. Highly recommend them for any legal needs.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Eileen moffitt
For both personal and business needs , Ron , and his staff made the process simple , fast , easy to understand , and cost effective . Will continue to use his services forever 100%
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09 Jul, 2024 by Proverbs 3:5-6
I was recently involved in a car accident and the state trooper ruled me at fault despite me have video evidence. My attorney Ron showed up on time to court and had my charges completely dismissed. Can’t recommend Debranski & Associates enough!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Viktor sto
11 years ago he was my divorce lawyer. I can say that at all meetings he was silent and asleep.
6 years ago, my daughter graduated from school at the age of 19, and according to the law, I stopped paying child support to her mother and I began transferring all this money directly to my daughter - I helped my daughter with her college studies.
Now, due to inaccurate wording in my divorce agreement, my ex-wife is suing for all of the money I gave to my daughter, plus several thousand more on top. I lost almost 40 K.
He was unprofessional as my lawyer and took advantage of my depression, ignorance of the law and imperfect knowledge of the English language. I feel very sorry for all his clients.
My current lawyer explained these nuances to me.
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17 Aug, 2024 by Brad morrell
I'm a mortgage lender. Hartman always does a good job with real estate closings. Very dependable. Never any issues.
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20 Jul, 2024 by Zach smith
Used them 2 times now. Highly recommend them for any legal needs.
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03 Jul, 2024 by Mr blackmon
Todd orston was sooooooo helping answering my questions and patient we need more people like him on the planet 🌍
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03 Jul, 2024 by Mr blackmon
Todd orston was sooooooo helping answering my questions and patient we need more people like him on the planet 🌍
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13 Apr, 2024 by Junior watkins
28 Mar, 2024 by Angela pritchett
Meredith and her firm are absolutely fantastic! We have retained her twice in the past few years and had an amazing experience both times under her guidance and recommendations. She is supportive and understanding, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure her clients are happy. We couldn’t have asked for better representation and hopefully won’t need her services again in the future, but have peace of mind knowing we have a trustworthy attorney one call or email away. Thank you so much Meredith and team for everything! We appreciate you all so much!
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25 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Lee Fitzpatrick represented my son for a motion for new trial on a Aggravated assault. The witness recanted and also wrote a letter about her recanted and Fitzpatrick did not raise this issue along with alot more issues. This cause my son to not be able to raise these issues on appeal. I don't think he actually took time to read the briefs. We barely heard from him. I don't recommend his on criminal at all!!
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12 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Lee helped me out tremendously. I was facing jail time due to an unfortunate series of events. I was in a jurisdiction that is known for being brutal. Lee was able to get everything dropped. Perfect choice.
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15 Aug, 2019 by Donna
Lee Fitzpatrick is hands down the best there is. He not only returned my call the same day, but it was after normal business hours and he talked with me and answered all of my questions in a patient and understanding way. I had not even hired him yet, but yet he gave me advice for the next steps he thought we should take. After I hired him, I was even more impressed by his vast legal knowledge, his ability to clearly get his point across in the court room and get the job done while remaining calm and respectful. Lee is honest and cares about truly helping people. If you're looking to hire an attorney, Lee Fitzpatrick is hands down, in my opinion, the best of the best!! I can't thank him enough for the amazing job he did on our case.
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31 Oct, 2023 by Abigail hulce
Was a long road but we did it best lawyer hands down not just Kyle but his whole staff is amazing expecially Anna definitely recommend him and will be using his assistants in the future
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17 Oct, 2023 by Caroline manus
I could not recommend Kyle Koester as a lawyer enough! I came to him with a unique case that other lawyers did not want to take on as it was a challenging case. However, Kyle went above and beyond for me from the moment that I brought my case to him. His communication was amazing, he was very thorough and professional, truly cared about me as his client, & he fought for me in a very stressful time. He won my case and I’m so thankful I found him! In the stressful times that you find yourself needing a lawyer, it is so important and equally as hard to find someone that you can trust. Kyle is your guy!
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16 Sep, 2023 by Tamara mastrianni
My daughter was involved in an accident. I also did my research on selecting the right attorney for the job. Although the accident wasn’t too bad it left my daughter’s face scarred. The first thing he told
me was that this could be a 2 year process to manage our expectations. I knew this was going to be a lengthy process and he ultimately came through! Kyle got double the settlement amount! Great job and I would highly recommend him to anyone!
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04 Jan, 2024 by Kimberly comeaux
Super helpful with estate planning
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15 Mar, 2022 by Barry s
Doesn't care for his clients.
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14 Dec, 2021 by Oleo luberis
useless attorney , would give one point of a star is possible.
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02 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I was arrested in Cobb county on December 23rd and spent a total of 90 days incarcerated after writing Mr Forbes three letters, many text messages, had the circuit defender's office email him and talk to him one time in which he did not recall any of the conversation. I finally bailed out of jail which was my only option since he wouldn't visit me and I still have yet to speak to him. I then requested new representation which is now set me back even further so I would definitely not retain this attorney for any legal matter.
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03 May, 2021 by Patty butler
Two, yes two years ago I gave John Forbes $1400.00 to help with me getting visitation with my granddaughter in GA. At first he was attentive with phone calls only or text. Seven months latter, still no court date or phone calls I contact him and ask what can I do to expedite my case and I asked if he needed more money. I live in FL so he gave me his account number and I went down and deposited $500.00 more into his account. Since then I was told I had a court case, took time off from work, driving to Atlanta for my court date he text me and said that it was postponed and he would advise me when it was rescheduled. That call never happened, I told him this was ridiculous and I wanted my money back. Imagine my surprise when he refunded me $300.00, for what! I spoke with my family and they said to ask him to continue with the case due to him being familiar with the case and keeping the $1100.00 for whatever little thing he did. Then came covid.... He text me once to say he had covid and would get with me once he was over it. That was October 2020. I text him (he didn't answer his phone) on 11/23/2020 I text him that I was trying to be patient but was getting hard to do, no response. I text him again (still not answering phone)Feb 8, 2021 Asking if this was hi normal business practice, still no response. I text him again 3/15/2021 still no response. On March 17,2021 I text him one last time. At no point did I get any response from him, I even checked obituaries to make sure he did not succumb to covid and nope he did not. Still to this day 5/3/2021 I have yet to hear from him, I basically flushed 1900.00 down the drain for something as simple as getting to see my granddaughter who lives with her other grandparents. Since then I have on my own addressed the other grandparents, we pick my granddaughter up and go off for a few hours with no help from John Forbes. He talks a good game but a wolf in sheep's clothing.
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03 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Forbes for a family settlement issue. He was attentive, caring and inventive. Can’t recommend him enough.
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07 Jan, 2023 by Nathan
I've seen my fair share of useless lawyers over the years, who do little to no work and add zero value. But never have I seen such utter incompetence whereby the lawyer tells you "court is Feb 12" and then texts you January 4 asking "where are you, court starts in an hour"?
If you can't handle simple administrative tasks AND cannot do simple law, you should not be a lawyer. You should also face the consequences of this.
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14 Jun, 2017 by Shavonne smith
I retained Ms. Brown for my custody case in Cherokee County. At first all seemed well, she presented herself as well educated in the law and eager to help me win my case. Unfortunately, that lasted about midway into my first hearing. She pleaded with me to "trust her like a maternal figure"and shorten my court ordered time because it would be a temporary change. Reluctantly, I agreed and the Judge ordered us to go to mediation and come back within 6 months. Well 10 months later, there's been no mediation scheduled, multiple unanswered calls/emails, blatant contempt actions from the Defendant and nothing has changed. I attempted to schedule numerous meetings with Ms. Brown and was told " I should just give up and do what my child's mother says". She then filed a motion to be dismissed from the case and told me to not contact her. Ms. Brown was misleading, unprofessional and displayed an enormous amount of indecorous behavior. I DO NOT recommend her at all to anyone fighting for rights to be involved in their child's life.
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08 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I have had her for over a year now in a very agonizing paternity case. Not only has Teri been very caring but she has worked her butt off in my case. She is great!!!! Only real son case is dragging is due to the judicial officer and her lack of knowledge and common sense. Teri is a fighter and does not back down!
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01 Oct, 2023 by Kimcarlisle
Stated appointments he did nothing for me but talk me into talking a plea after I was sentence to my mom if he knew my dad was sick he could have got me less. But knew I was innocent and scared me into plea
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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:
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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.
