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07 Jan, 2025 by George hilway
Highly professional firm. They were a pleasure to deal with! Frank Martone is a highly knowledgeable attorney who made the whole process as smooth as possible. Would recommend them for your next real estate transaction.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Rahmat muhammad
Frank and his team were phenomenal partners through the ups and downs of our home purchase. They communicate seamlessly as a team so nothing ever got dropped even when Frank had to be away from the office. Big thank you to Jahaira for staying on top of everything (superb organization skills!). We will see you guys again soon.
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17 Sep, 2024 by Michelle cabral
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Martone & Uhlmann, P.C.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Dennis & Jahaira at Martone & Uhlmann, P.C. during my new home purchase, and I couldn't be happier with their service. They took the time to thoroughly explain everything, were incredibly responsive, and helped me close in less than 30 days! Every deadline was not only met but exceeded, finishing early each time.
Their support was invaluable, especially as a first-time homeowner navigating a stressful process. Dennis and Jahaira kept everything calm and manageable, making the experience much smoother. I highly recommend working with them—they are the reason I was able to secure my home. Thank you, Dennis & Jahaira! ❤️
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22 Jan, 2025 by Di-anna broadwater
This lawyer took my previous lawyers' practice (Taylor & Taylor), which I was with for over 20+yrs. I met with associates & staff. They were very professional & and courteous, so I hired them and won my case. Now I've recommended them for a family member & trust they'll do him well.
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22 Jun, 2024 by Kwabe osafo
I was very satisfied with the services Folkman Law provided me. They are very professional and exceptional at what they do.
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20 Jun, 2024 by Marcus rodriguez
Great communication and responsive to inquiry. Received maximum settlement
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22 Jun, 2022 by Sandi
Excellent - no delays in communication and I got the results that I needed to keep by home. Kind and understanding always!!!!
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30 Nov, 2021 by Benigno and maria
Mr. Merino and his team fulfilled our needs of a financial fresh start.
His dedication throughout the bankruptcy process made us feel at ease and convinced that we had made the right decision. Having his support and advice during these difficult times in our lives, was a blessing.
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25 Mar, 2021 by Baron
A horrendous experience and one I wish I had ended long before today.
I reached out in May of last year for help with a home loan modification. I already had an agreement in place, which I clearly explained, but I hoped for something more flexible considering the pandemic and some other health issues I was going through. I figured legal help might get me what I was hoping for, so I hired Mr. Merino.
I was told it would be a 3-4 month long process...that was 9 months ago.
My term was "zero sum game", meaning I wanted to be at a point where I could make standard payments without having to tack on thousands monthly to cover arears. I wasn't looking for waivers or forgiveness, or even lower payments. What I wanted was to take the arears and tack it to the principle, if possible, understanding as well that there might be a penalty involved.
During the time this was being worked on paperwork constantly disappeared and I was always told it never arrived. The final use of that excuse, I pointed out that it had been sent Certified, requiring a signature: those papers appeared within literal minutes.
This went on for 3 months, until I finally insisted on a face-to-face meeting, in the middle of the Covid shutdown, and me with a compromised immune system, to pass the information: there would be no more lost paperwork. I was given a list of things to bring...and when I got there I was asked to supply two more items that weren't on the list.
I will say that some was my fault. There were times it would take me a week to get the correct information together, but constantly being requested to provide new and different information, or the same information in a different form, was tiresome, and I work 50hrs to 60+hrs a week. I was told that the bank required it all, but I don't believe for an instant the lender wouldn't know what to ask for from the very start.
I asked to be copied on all e-mail correspondence with the lender, and was not. I asked to be e-mailed recaps of all telephone conversations with the lender, and was not. Only at the end of our relationship were most of the e-mail correspondences sent to me, and even then I've been told that there isn't a certainty that all of them were sent, just the ones he could find. Phone calls were sporadic (partly my fault because at first I wasn't diligent, as I should have been), but when they did occur I was very clear on what I wanted, and to his credit there were some calls with good information.
Finally, in late October, 4 months after this 3-4 month process should have already concluded, things finally started to move. Of course, because of the holidays, it was early January before we could really push...and it slogged in to March.
About 2-3 weeks back, I am going to get some great news! After 8 months and thousands of dollars, I was presented with...the EXACT SAME OPTION I ALREADY HAD IN PLACE! Not a single difference from what I had already worked out prior to my relationship with Mr. Merino. 100% identical.
I was presented with an option that I had already explained from the very beginning wasn't feasible.
And to my perception it was presented as though it was a huge win for him and his team. When I noted that they had worked all those months to get to the same point I was already at, and ignored what I wanted to try and do, an assistant advocated for the bank about how great the proposal was, and continued to advocate for the bank even after I requested several times that such not be done.
NOTHING was done to pursue the goal I put forth 9 months ago, until a few days recent, by which time I had already decided to terminate the relationship. Nine months with nothing to show for it.
I cannot begin to relate how disappointed and upset this process has made me.
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06 Feb, 2025 by Melissa sidoti
Husain Gatlin is probably one of the best attorneys I have ever retained and I can’t thank him enough for being so hands on with our case. He did everything he said he was going to do and he is well worth every cent you spend!! As I have told Husain previously, I admire him and I don’t like lawyers! 🤣
I think that explains it all!! Thank you 😎
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04 Feb, 2025 by Wade smith
I highly recommend Mr. Gatlin services to all my family, friends, an associates. His office staff was a pleasure to work with, they were very professional an detailed. Mr. Gatlin made sure all my questions were answered an kept me informed every step of the way. I didnt have to ask any questions, he was on top of it. I would recommend anyone that need professional legal representation to seek Mr Gatlin. I really appreciate his assistance and i want to say THANK YOU Mr. Gatlin for your excellent professional assistance and the outcome.
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24 Jan, 2025 by Matthew streeter
I paid Husain A. Gatlin $2,500 to represent me in a simple civil dispute. From the beginning, he was difficult to get a hold of, and even though I only reached out with legitimate questions, Gatlin only communicated through a document uploading website, through which it took several days to get a response.
Communication got so bad with Gatlin that another lawyer of mine attempted to contact him regarding vital matters- he and I still got no response for weeks.
Gatlin made it clear to me -by actually telling me- that he was tired of this case and had no interest in continuing it. It was such a relatively minor case (albeit very important to me) that he simply lost interest when it started taking just a little longer than expected to reach a resolution.
WORSE OF ALL, I didn’t find out until trial commenced (with a new lawyer) that a major point of contention between the other party and me was caused by Gatlin’s carelessness.
Part of my countersuit against the other party was for trespassing. It didn’t come out until the trial, when opposing counsel brought it to my attention while I was on the witness stand, that unbeknownst to me, Gatlin had given the go-ahead to the other party to enter my property WITHOUT CONSULTING ME, OR EVEN TELLING ME AFTER HE DID IT. Police were called, charges were filed, trial took place, all because Gatlin, knowing I would never allow the trespass FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN, took it upon himself to let the other party enter my property without even telling me he’d done it.
As a trial date approached, when he should have been the most interactive, Gatlin completely fell off the face of the planet. Neither I nor my other attorney could reach him at all. Weeks later, I fired him and hired another attorney.
Since Gatlin did nothing the entire ten months he “represented” me (other than wear his pretty little bow ties), I filed for fee arbitration to recoup at least a portion of the $2,500 I paid. During the fee arbitration hearing, he blatantly lied several times, and when I proved he was lying, he resorted to insults.
If your case isn’t as sexy and exciting as a murder, this is the kind of service you can expect from Husain A. Gatlin.
---------UPDATE, IN RESPONSE TO COMPANY'S COMMENT------------
The panel's questionable decision aside, there's no denying the fact that your carelessness put my children in danger and caused unnecessary litigation. And it's no coincidence that other negative reviews of you have common denominators- your carelessness, quickness to lose interest in cases you're paid to see through to the end, and petulant refusal to communicate with clients.
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07 Jan, 2025 by Imran sharif
Received my deposit back almost two months after my contract ended.
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27 Apr, 2024 by Dipak thesiya
Kim is very competent. She knows her job well. However communication can be better.
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26 Jan, 2024 by Jimmy patel
Great firm to work with. Very responsive and on top of their tasks. Five stars from me.
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07 Dec, 2024 by Chavannes jeff
26 Oct, 2024 by Shukri sabuur
Mr. Anthony Fattell did a great job handling my case. He is a very professional individual and respectful to his clients. My case was settled less than a year and I was very pleased with the results.
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09 Oct, 2024 by Julia gomez
I was involved in a rear end car accident last October. Someone hit me from behind at a red light. Was suffering from neck and shoulder pains due to the after effects of the accident. Got in contact with my lawyers and they sent me in for physical therapy. Glad they were able to help me out on my case. Thank you Ally & Bob Lord for all of your help!
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03 Mar, 2022 by Howard alter
Highly Skilled Legal Representation - Effective and Efficient.
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06 Dec, 2019 by Christina shifton
22 Aug, 2019 by Scott
22 Jan, 2025 by Danni librizzi
Melissa and her team are wonderful professionals. I was confident being represented by Melissa during my surrogacy journey as a gestational carrier. She is responsive, thorough, and has her clients best interest in mind. I would 10/10 recommend Melissa and her team!
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31 Oct, 2024 by Pavel gonzalez
We are incredibly grateful to have had Melissa Brisman by our side throughout our surrogacy journeys. From the very beginning, she has been more than just our lawyer – she has been our advocate, advisor, and friend. Melissa went above and beyond to support us, guiding us with both legal expertise and genuine compassion, especially during challenging moments. Her dedication, kindness, and understanding made all the difference, and we couldn’t imagine going through these processes without her. If you’re looking for a lawyer who truly cares, look no further than Melissa Brisman.
Pavel Gonzalez
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26 Jul, 2024 by Harpreet boora
Melissa and her team provided my partner and I (international IPs both in the UK) with legal support during our second surrogacy journey in the US. At the start, she clearly laid out the steps involved, process, timings and her fees. Throughout the process she was very responsive and always available to answer any questions that we had. Thanks to Melissa we had a smooth journey and the pre birth order, post birth order and birth certificates were all obtained in good time. Thank you Melissa for all of your help! We would fully recommend Melissa for any IPs who need legal support during the surrogacy journey.
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08 Aug, 2019 by Greg
I got into a custody battle with my girlfriend. DYFS got involved. I couldn't see my kid because DYFS thought I was beating my wife. I wasn't and Mr. Cicala got it all straightened out. He helped me get some treatment and fought to get me custody back.
I'm back living with my wife and son. Mr. Cicala really helped me.
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07 Sep, 2018 by Jack
I got behind on some of my credit cards and missed a lot of payments. I ignored the problem for a long time until I got sued in the mail. I called Mike and he filed some paperwork to slow the lawsuit down. The other firm tried to bully me into paying something I couldn't afford but Mike went to court with me and got me a good deal. I had to pay less than they wanted because they made up so much money I owed them. Mike did a great job.
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22 Jun, 2018 by Mary
I got a lot of tickets. I was driving and the other guy hit my car into a parked car with people in it. The cops were unfair to me because I didn't do anything.
Mike went to court with me and I got no points. I only got a small fine and Mike got me months to pay. He did great and stood up for me when the other people tried to blame everything on me.
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18 Dec, 2024 by Pooja patel
30 Oct, 2024 by Natalia billik
SCAMMER! Will take a retainer and not give it back if he is no longer needed. Did no work and took money! Horrible.
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21 Apr, 2024 by Mirly paul
He was amazing! Very professional, fair price, and rapid work on his end. Recommended him to several people.
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09 Dec, 2024 by Tai m
Arthur Scott Porter was quick and efficient. The results were impeccable.
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02 Aug, 2021 by Moshe hopstein
We have worked with this firm and had a great experience Never once did I doubt I was in the best possible hands. Phone calls were returned without delay. I'd recommend Attorney Best for most any legal matter.
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19 May, 2021 by Jacob drucker
Worked with Arthur (Scott) and others. They were very knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. Would use their services again.
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20 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
A friend/colleague recommended James Grace as "knowledgeable" with my legal situation, but after little communication and apparently limited expertise, my case was sacrificed. I petitioned the Disciplinary Review Board of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for my fee reimbursement and won.
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19 Mar, 2015 by Diana
Mr Grace was able to refer me to the proper services which got me a great pension and a lump settlement, which will help greatly with my retirement.
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10 Mar, 2015 by John
As a small business owner in New Jersey I needed guidance to navigate the ever changing landscape. Mr. Grace was very knowledgeable and helpful in restructuring my partnership. I was able to reduce my tax liability and protect myself. I trust Jim explicitly and will retain his services again in the future.
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16 May, 2023 by Jovine edwards
Horrible professionalism does not have the clients best interest at hand and he will steal your money and not do his job with paperwork. Do not use this lawyer for anything. I should have a listen to the reviews prior to, but I thought I’d give them a chance but I gave them a chance to screw me. You have been worn. Do not trust him.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Mike considine
26 Feb, 2022 by Liz ludman
08 Dec, 2024 by Raúl e melgar
Estoy muy agradecido con chip por todo lo que a echo por nuestra familia y amigos.
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14 Oct, 2024 by Monica hincapie
If I could give this place 0 stars I would! They are the worst experience I have ever had! They just take your money and do nothing! Unprofessional, no communication, I probably would have represented this case better, I wish I had never hired them. They took payment a almost a year ago and they don't want to give me what I am entitled to because they give me a thousand excuses. Be careful because they send you to medical centers with dubious behavior, they committed fraud on me and forged my signature, that's why they have me on edge.
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08 Mar, 2024 by Jose prieto
I have to say thank you for your efforts and legal services
I felt lost and in fear Mary Pat took her time to explain and guide me through the process in which it is very scary, in this day and age with so many horror stories of others with similar circumstances and outcomes like my situation after thinking the worst it turned out to be a very favorable outcome in which my interests were protected and I was very satisfied with the overall outcome
Thank you
J. Prieto
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02 Mar, 2015 by Alex
This guy never got back to me on my concern. I ended up hiring another attorney. Thanks for nothing. If these profiles got no one updating them, then delete them and don't waste my time looking through idle profiles.
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28 Jul, 2011 by Saraswat family
We were so happy with Mr. Gelfond's services that I feel the need to elaborate on the previous review posted by us. His service stood in stark contrast to another attorney we had hired two years ago.
Our reasons for hiring Richard Gelfond:
a) Richard's practice areas, Real Estate, Litigation and Foreclosure, are the best suited for real estate deals.
b) Multiple decades worth of experience.
c) Excellent reviews on various websites.
d) Picking up the phone himself both the times we called him initially.
Our experience with Richard Gelfond:
a) He always picked up his phone himself unless he was not in office. There were never any layers of secretaries or legal assistants. With the previous attorney, we always used to hit a bureucratic wall.
b) Emails were answered promptly, quite a few times within minutes.
c) We never had to push him to pursue any matter. In fact, he used to remind us if we lagged behind in giving a response!!! With the previous attorney, we had to keep calling over multiple days in order for a response to be sent out.
d) During the attorney review of the real estate contract, I could not find any clause which he had missed. With the previous attorney, I had to suggest clauses.
e) He kept us informed at each step, keeping us in the loop while communicating with various entities like the title insurance company, bank's attorney, surveyor etc.
f) He always patiently listened to what we had to say, never loosing his temper.
We can unequivocally recommend him as a real estate attorney and shall certainly hire him again and none else.
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27 Jul, 2011 by Saraswat family
We hired Richard as our real estate attorney and he did an excellent work on our house closing. It's very hard to find an attorney like him. Very responsive, trustworthy & knowledgeable:) I'll definitely recommend him to my friends & relatives. All 5 stars to you Richard from saraswat family !!
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22 Nov, 2024 by Nate buono
Jennifer Saint-Louis, Bruno Pereira & the staff at Fein, Such, Kahn & Shepard, P.C. handled our Estate Planning in a professional manner & efficiently addressed our concerns. I highly recommend their services.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Alejandro caruso
Great experience, so easy to navigate through this cumbersome process. They made it simple and pleasant.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Edward pikus
In a somewhat complicated matter of estate planning and administration, the attorneys we met with were very knowledgeable and helpful in reaching a timely resolution.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Nate buono
Jennifer Saint-Louis, Bruno Pereira & the staff at Fein, Such, Kahn & Shepard, P.C. handled our Estate Planning in a professional manner & efficiently addressed our concerns. I highly recommend their services.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Alejandro caruso
Great experience, so easy to navigate through this cumbersome process. They made it simple and pleasant.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Edward pikus
In a somewhat complicated matter of estate planning and administration, the attorneys we met with were very knowledgeable and helpful in reaching a timely resolution.
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22 Nov, 2024 by Nate buono
Jennifer Saint-Louis, Bruno Pereira & the staff at Fein, Such, Kahn & Shepard, P.C. handled our Estate Planning in a professional manner & efficiently addressed our concerns. I highly recommend their services.
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03 Sep, 2024 by Alejandro caruso
Great experience, so easy to navigate through this cumbersome process. They made it simple and pleasant.
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29 Aug, 2024 by Edward pikus
In a somewhat complicated matter of estate planning and administration, the attorneys we met with were very knowledgeable and helpful in reaching a timely resolution.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Takes your retainer, sends a few emails and then completely disappears off the face of the earth. Does not respond at all. But you will see him posting stupid stuff on Facebook, meanwhile you are left in the middle of a case with no representation.
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16 Apr, 2015 by Doug
I have used Jeffrey for a handful of business issues and questions that have hit on a number of different legal areas. Jeff does a great job of keeping things simple, talking in everyday language, and taking the most efficient and cost-effective way to tackle a problem. I have found Jeff to be fair, knowledgeable, practical, and honest. I would recommend him for any business matters regardless of its size or complexity.
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04 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Brookner helped me buy a business. He got the job done professionally and for a reasonable price. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him!
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05 Mar, 2021 by Richard
Carol helped me with some legal work in 2015 when I was going through a very difficult time with my bankruptcy. She and her staff showed great compassion for my problems and with very patient, detailed work, Carol was able to get me through these difficult times. Carol accompanied me to my court date and walked me through the proceedings. I would use Carol again if I could and would recommend her to anybody going through difficult financial times.
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11 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Carol Knowlton charged me over $6,000.00 for work she did not do and was granted by the Judge CMG. Although there was no proof shown of the work she claim she did, she was still granted the amount. I hired this lawyer for a Bankruptcy case where she completed. However later she continue to charge me for busy work, like charging me $180.00 for putting a cover letter over information that was sent to her that I requested from my mortgage company and she forward it to me.
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22 Oct, 2020 by Christopher
Going through bankruptcy is an extremely stressful experience. Carol Knowlton, at Gorski & Knowlton PC, worked with me and help me, not only getting me through the whole bankruptcy process, but represented me and got me restarted in my business, and my life. Carol, and her staff, was not just a legal law firm to me, but they made me feel like they were family that was helping, and protecting me. Thank you Carol!!!
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09 May, 2013 by Lori
Terrible attorney took my money promised to go to court and get my back due rent and never did any work besides a phone call to my advisory.
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03 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
He is very knowlegabe about the law. I was charged with unregistered handgun. I was facing prison but he got my probation. I would definately recommend him.
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25 Apr, 2016 by Anonymous
I can not recommend Tom Lenney or the Lenney Law Firm after working with him on our first-time home buying process. He barely spoke with us after our initial contact. Our emails were neglected. He left for vacation during our home inspection negotiation and didn't even let us know he would be out of town. Our realtor ended up having to negotiate the entire deal on his behalf. Looking back, Tom didn't add any value to the process, only frustration.
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22 Sep, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Zimmerman (AKA James C Zimmerman / James Zimmerman/ James Christopher Zimmerman ) to handle a bankruptcy case for me. I gave him a full list of my creditors. He omitted many of them in his filing. I brought it to his attention, he blamed me, and then wanted more money to add the creditors he omitted. The bankruptcy was completed at this point and I still have the debts he omitted. I took him to small claims court and he told the judge I was just trying to make a name for myself trying an attorney in small claims court. The judge never fully heard or considered my case or was interested in allowing me to speak as judges have little respect for non attorneys. I gave up, because other attorneys are not interested in pursuing cases against fellow attorneys that they will have to interact with throughout their careers. However, I can surely let others know that he has proved himself a liar and dishonest in my opinion and with clear supporting documentation.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Foreclosure Lawyer Can Do for You
A foreclosure lawyer specializes in helping homeowners navigate the legal complexities of foreclosure, working to protect their rights and potentially save their homes. Foreclosure lawyers assist homeowners facing foreclosure by negotiating with lenders, filing legal defenses, and representing them in court. They also help with loan modifications, short sales, and other alternatives to foreclosure. Whether you’re behind on mortgage payments or already in foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you explore your legal options and work toward a solution.
If you’re at risk of losing your home, a foreclosure lawyer can provide guidance on how to stop or delay the foreclosure process and protect your financial future.
When Should I Hire a Foreclosure Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a foreclosure lawyer in several situations where you are facing financial difficulties with your mortgage. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Facing foreclosure proceedings: If your lender has initiated foreclosure proceedings, a lawyer can help you file a legal defense and explore options for stopping or delaying the process.
- Loan modification: If you want to modify the terms of your mortgage to make payments more manageable, a lawyer can help you negotiate with your lender and ensure that the modification complies with legal standards.
- Challenging the foreclosure: If you believe your lender has violated foreclosure laws or the terms of your mortgage agreement, a lawyer can help you challenge the foreclosure in court.
- Stopping a foreclosure sale: If your home is about to be sold at a foreclosure auction, a lawyer may be able to file for a temporary restraining order or injunction to halt the sale.
- Short sale or deed in lieu of foreclosure: If you cannot afford to keep your home but want to avoid foreclosure, a lawyer can assist with arranging a short sale or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, where you voluntarily transfer ownership of the home to the lender to avoid foreclosure.
- Filing for bankruptcy: If you’re unable to manage your mortgage debt and other financial obligations, a lawyer can advise whether filing for bankruptcy might stop foreclosure and help you restructure your debts.
Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible - especially when foreclosure is imminent - can provide you with more legal options to save your home or limit financial damages.
What Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Do?
A foreclosure lawyer provides a variety of legal services to homeowners facing foreclosure, working to protect their rights and help them avoid losing their homes. Their responsibilities often include:
- Negotiating with lenders: A lawyer can negotiate with your lender to modify your mortgage or create a repayment plan, helping you avoid foreclosure by securing more favorable terms.
- Filing a legal defense: If your lender is improperly foreclosing or has made errors in the foreclosure process, a lawyer can file a legal defense, challenging the foreclosure in court. Defenses may include violations of foreclosure laws, predatory lending practices, or failure to follow the terms of the mortgage.
- Representing you in court: A lawyer can represent you in foreclosure proceedings, whether you are defending against the foreclosure, seeking more time to negotiate with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy.
- Stopping or delaying foreclosure sales: If your home is scheduled for a foreclosure auction, a lawyer can help file a motion to stop or delay the sale, giving you time to explore other options.
- Advising on bankruptcy: A foreclosure lawyer can assess whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would be beneficial, as bankruptcy can temporarily stop foreclosure and give you time to reorganize your finances.
- Arranging short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure: A lawyer can help facilitate a short sale (selling the property for less than the mortgage balance) or a deed in lieu of foreclosure (transferring the property to the lender), which may allow you to avoid the foreclosure process.
How Are Foreclosure Lawyers Paid?
Foreclosure lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the legal work involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many foreclosure lawyers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For specific legal services, such as negotiating a loan modification or filing a bankruptcy petition, some lawyers offer a flat fee. Flat fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the work.
- Retainer: In more complex foreclosure cases, especially those involving ongoing negotiations with lenders or court appearances, a lawyer may require a retainer. This is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case.
- Contingency fee (rare): In some rare cases, particularly when suing a lender for wrongful foreclosure, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win the case or settle on your behalf.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer upfront, especially if you are facing financial difficulties.
How Much Does a Foreclosure Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a foreclosure lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of time required to resolve the issue. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Foreclosure lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. For example, a simple case with 10 hours of legal work at $300 per hour would cost $3,000.
- Flat fees: For straightforward services such as filing for bankruptcy or negotiating a loan modification, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the work.
- Retainers: In more complex or ongoing foreclosure cases, a lawyer may require a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the length of the case and the lawyer’s experience.
In addition to legal fees, you may also need to cover additional costs, such as court filing fees or expenses related to property appraisals.
Top Questions to Ask a Foreclosure Lawyer
Before hiring a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the necessary experience and approach to help you. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with foreclosure cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling foreclosure cases similar to yours and has successfully helped homeowners avoid foreclosure or negotiate better terms. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost of their services. -
What are my options for stopping foreclosure?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different legal strategies available for stopping or delaying foreclosure, such as loan modifications, filing a legal defense, or bankruptcy. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and the chances of successfully avoiding or delaying foreclosure. -
How long will the process take?
Foreclosure cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will I need to go to court?
Ask whether your case is likely to settle out of court or if a trial may be necessary. If a trial is possible, ask what steps the lawyer will take to prepare. -
What steps can I take to protect my home?
Ask the lawyer for advice on steps you can take to protect your home, such as making partial payments, negotiating with your lender, or exploring foreclosure alternatives.
How to Check the Credibility of a Foreclosure Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable foreclosure lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for foreclosure experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in foreclosure law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on foreclosure matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) or who have specialized certifications in real estate or foreclosure law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a foreclosure lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Mortgage documents: Bring a copy of your mortgage agreement, payment history, and any correspondence you’ve received from your lender, including foreclosure notices or demand letters.
- Financial information: Provide information about your income, expenses, and debts, as this will help the lawyer assess your financial situation and determine the best legal strategy for your case.
- Previous communications with your lender: If you’ve already tried to negotiate with your lender, bring any emails, letters, or records of phone calls that document these communications.
- Court documents (if applicable): If foreclosure proceedings have already begun, bring any court documents related to the case.
- Questions about your legal options: Prepare a list of questions about the foreclosure process, your options for avoiding foreclosure, and how the lawyer plans to help you.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for protecting your home from foreclosure.
