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17 Jun, 2024 by Stephanie
Family cases involving children can be emotionally charged and stressful, but Emily's calm and professional demeanor helped ease the tension and anxiety. Her attention to detail and thoroughness in preparing for court hearings and negotiations was impressive. I felt confident that Emily had my best interest at heart and was committed to achieving the best possible outcome for me and my family. I highly recommend Emily Leininger to anyone in need of legal representation in family law matters. She is a skilled and compassionate attorney who truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Emily, for your exceptional service and dedication to my case.
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24 Jun, 2022 by Candice
Emily has been nothing short of amazing, my divorce has been drawn out for multiple reasons but Emily has been nothing but understanding and always willing to help me in any way she can. I would recommend her to anyone!
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23 Jun, 2021 by Shawn
I had recently divorced and my daughter's custody arrangement was not going well. She was back and forth way too much and she wasn't happy. I wanted to go back to court for a better parenting plan but my original attorney was on a leave of absence. I spoke with several attorneys but each one of them told me "it was too soon" to go back to court. Emily took my case and in the mean time, my daughter was falling apart with the current plan. We went back to court and we are currently working on a new plan. Emily was a blessing to me and my daughter. I highly recommend her. She is a fighter and she has become a friend to us.
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11 Aug, 2021 by Kristen
I never thought I'd need a divorce lawyer but when I found myself pregnant going through a divorce I knew I'd need one that would advocate for me and my baby boy. From the minute I met Phil Newman we just clicked. His warm, caring nature together with his no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase way makes him a bulldog of a lawyer. In the end, the way he fights for what's best for the CHILD is what sets him apart. And he's had to put me in my place a few times, but I've always been better as a result.
Now having been divorced 8+ years and going through several post-divorce rounds of parenting plan changes, I can't recommend Phil and his team highly enough.
Especially Alisha Warner who is my other lawyer and who has walked with me as well through the past 8 years. She is an incredibly hard worker and has gut instincts that recently helped me settle a really hard situation in mediation.
I can't recommend the whole team at Puryear, Newman & Morton highly enough - they are ALL incredible to work with and ultimately fight for what's best for everyone in the long run.
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09 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Phil Newman is an excellent divorce attorney, professional and thorough. He and his team were responsive to all my questions and concerns. I was very pleased with the fair settlement that was reached. He also provided good advice pre and post divorce.
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08 May, 2019 by Tracy
Phil was highly recommended to me by a long-time friend who had recently gone through a divorce and was in a very similar situation to mine. I have two young boys and was the breadwinner in my household, which is very relevant because I had a hard time accepting the role reversal of my situation. I knew within 5 minutes of sitting down with Phil and his paralegal, Julie, that I didn’t need to look any further. Phil is a busy lawyer (which means he’s good lawyer) so he can be hard to pin down at times, BUT he was always there when I needed him – responding to texts and phone calls at night, early morning and over the weekend. He and Julie not only counseled me through the technical aspects of the divorce, but the emotional aspects as well. Phil would empathize with me and validate my feelings, but he also told me what I needed to hear even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. Thankfully, we were able to settle my divorce in mediation. Phil took time to explain the mediation process to me and ensure I was well prepped – both materially and emotionally. The mediation was 11 grueling hours . There was one point when we were negotiating alimony – a real sticking point for me – when Phil looked me straight in the eye and said, “Tracy, that’s a good deal. You need to take it.” I didn’t like it but I took it. No questions asked. And, this is representative of how my whole process went. Throughout one of the most difficult periods of my life when I was at my most vulnerable, Phil was my rock and my protector. I felt strong because I had Phil and Julie in my corner. On one hand, I’m grateful my divorce didn’t end up in court, but on the other hand, I would have loved to see him in action in that setting. He’s strong advocate, great listener and fierce negotiator, but best of all…he’s an overall wonderful human. I would recommend Phil over and over again.
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07 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
I was on the search for a lawyer that I could not only trust but one that I knew understood my heart for the situation and would fight hard for me to get it. From the very beginning Dana spent time learning the whole backstory of my case as well as listening to what I wanted most out of the situation as well as my fears. He was very clear about what might/might not happen and what to expect. On the day of I was impressed with the way he quickly made sure that the other party knew what I would and wouldn’t stand for making the rest of the process easy. He maneuvered through every obstacle with ease while explaining everything to me along the way. I have no regrets and was able to leave feeling like I was represented perfectly. HIGHLY recommend.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Michael
I called Dana and hired him to represent a family member in a DUI case. Dana looked at all of the discovery materials and one thing didn’t quite feel right to him. He requested follow up documentation from the DA’s office, who stalled and deferred for close to a year, postponing court dates multiple times. Dana didn’t back off, and the DA finally admitted that he didn’t have the media Dana was requesting.
He negotiated a favorable plea agreement that was far better than what we thought was possible. I’d hire Dana again without hesitation.
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09 Dec, 2022 by Dan
If you need an attorney, Dana is the one you need to hire. Dana was referred to me from a friend and WOW, what a great choice. From the first time we spoke on the phone until my court date was over, he was top notch. I've used many attorneys throughout life and he is by far the best I've used. If you are in need of a great attorney that will put your mind at ease, look no further. I had a probation violation in Franklin and it couldn't have went better. The way he handled himself in the courtroom to the way he always responded to my texts/calls, I never felt alone in my case and always felt he was fighting for me. He never once judged me but only defended me. He is a straight shooter and will get to the point. Definitely look no further if you are in need of an attorney. I will be using and referring Dana from now on with any case. Just nice to have someone actually fight for you and your case. You will be so happy you made the choice to hire Dana for any legal needs.
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18 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Cayley made what was a scary process simple. She explained exactly how things were going to be handled down to the last detail. Very easy to talk to, always quickly responded to our questions and concerns. We got the outcome we hoped for and she’s well worth the investment.
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06 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Cayley helped us with an animal at large case. She was so knowledgeable while also being compassionate. Cayley communicated beautifully with us, explained everything step by step, and always made herself available to talk. She helped make a scary situation easy to navigate. I would hire her again in a heartbeat.
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12 Feb, 2024 by Shannon
Cayley is great! This was my first time having to deal with any form of legal issues and she was super helpful in all aspects. Cayley is very knowledgeable and helped me understand everything fully. She eased my anxiety by promptly answering all of my questions even the ones I felt were silly. She was very kind and respectful to myself and all of the other people we encountered. I loved that I was able to reach out to her any time. I recommend Cayley to anyone! I hope I won’t need another attorney but if I ever do, I won’t hesitate to reach back out to Cayley again. She is wonderful!
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16 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
Hire Mike!! You will not be disappointed. He was able to quickly resolve my case in civil and Divorce. Williamson County's best just ask around!
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08 Jan, 2019 by Marco
My spouse hired a high-powered "celebrity" attorney and was planning on putting me "through the ringer" and was planning to take our child out of state with the man she was having an affair with. Mr. Fort stood toe-to -toe with her council and was able to get me everything I asked for. He is very knowledgeable and understands the law and formulates an amazing strategy. Thanks to him I have 50/50 custody without having to concede any other demands. He and Misti (paralegal) are strong communicators who will answer very promptly (always within an hour) with concrete advice. Obviously each case is different but if you are totally 100% open and honest, Mike will fight for you. I would recommend Mike to anyone who is in need of a top-notch lawyer.
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28 Apr, 2017 by Mary beth
Mike is level headed, intelligent, driven, confident and well respected among his colleagues. He is tenacious, ethical, insightful and is hands down the best attorney in Williamson county.
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14 May, 2024 by Bruce
The entire Law Office of Crystal Etue is absolutely amazing! I was always informed and confident in the process, and the claim that "you get more than an Attorney - you get an advocate" is an understatement! i could not have been better represented and counseled through such complicated circumstances...i highly recommend this team!
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19 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
I consulted with a few different attorneys in Franklin & Crystal was the only one that made me feel as if she really was listening to what I was saying. The others, for the most part, made me feel as if we were being timed & I had to race through my situation.
I hired Crystal after about a month when I was ready to file for divorce. She walked me through all of the scenarios & her paralegal gave me a bunch of information to help me when I needed to refer to if I needed it, which I found so helpful.
I’m still going through the divorce process but they’ve made me feel like I’m not alone.
Crystal is a straight shooter which I like. She doesn’t charge for every little thing and she genuinely wants the best for me & my two kids. I can feel that with every conversation I have with her. I can’t imagine going through this process with any other attorney.
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31 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
Cannot give enough credit or positive feedback for Mrs. Etue and her staff, especially Erin. They are what a lawyer should be when it comes to truly knowing and advocating for their client. They took the time to truly get to know me, my situation which two previous attorneys had blundered horribly, and then on principle, dug in and scratched and used their extensive understanding of the law to clear the minefield my ex had laid out. They saw the truth, dug hard to get the facts and evidence to support it and overcome opposing sides efforts to conceal and hide crucial materials. I had almost been broken by the process and stress, but they gave me a glimmer of hope, then fed it and worked so hard to stand up to the opposing side, and now, we clearly are in an incredible position to get the results we sought and then some because they fought the right fight and took a stand against an opposing side based on values and principles. You cannot go wrong hiring Mrs. Etue, just be honest, forthcoming NO MATTER WHAT, because they are the poster child for integrity and can handle anything put forth as long as they aren't blindsided. You'll actually enjoy speaking to your attorney and NEVER feel like they just adding dollar signs to your bill. VERY BEST HANDS DOWN!!!!
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24 Sep, 2020 by David
I hired Kate Delk and was extremely pleased with her representation. She will break down all of the potential scenarios in your case, while making you feel respected and taken care of. She was a prosecutor for many years, and she knows the lawyers prosecuting your case. She also has the total and complete perspective of both sides of the case, prosecutor and defense attorney. In my humble opinion, with all other things being equal, you need the lawyer with the best relationships with the other side. This is Mrs. Delk. Add onto that her friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge of the law and she is an obvious choice. I went to court today and received the best realistic outcome I could have expected. I believe that my choice of lawyer had a lot to do with this
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14 Apr, 2019 by Riley
Attorney Kate has been very open and up front. She is very personable and speaks layman's terms. Always has been available to answer questions.
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16 Feb, 2019 by Donna
Kate was very important in helping my son navigate the system. We are from a different state and found ourselves in uncharted waters. I called five attorneys who were all wanting unreasonable retainers and suggesting unreasonable options for my sons situation. Kate saved the day! She is honest- and is fair in her fee's and billings. She understood the system and really fought for my son while being respectful and setting a great example. I appreciate a strong women like Kate and ANYONE that is in need of an attorney can use someone like her. She is amazing! We could not have even come close to getting this resolved without her expertise and work ethic.
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03 Oct, 2020 by Laura rose
I want to tell everyone how awesome Raquel Abel is. I was going to lose my daughter but Raquel came in and helped me gain full custody of my daughter. Not only she helped me gain full custody she also helped me keep my parents away from my daughter. She also was there for me through everything my mom's verbal abuse and my dad's Conservatorship that he had on me and she helped me get rid of the conservatorship. Raquel is the reason that I am a mother to my daughter. I am now back with my daughter's father. I am very appreciative of Raquel. She will fight for you like she did for me and my daughter. I would not be a mother right now if I did not have Raquel Abel. Thank you Raquel for fighting for me.
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06 Sep, 2018 by Natalie
Looking for a great lawyer I highly recommend Raquel.
- Very professional
- very experienced
- Was able to tackle my case with short notice
- Very hard working
- Walked with me through every step and made it easy to understand
- Very smart and Educated in what she does
I could go on how awesome she is. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
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04 Nov, 2016 by Emily
Raquel has represented me for several cases. Child custody and an order of protection. She is fabulous and very professional. She does a EXCELLENT job of cross examining. All of my cases have gone in my favor thanks to her! Would hire again without a doubt.
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02 Jul, 2024 by Bryan
From our first introductory meeting to receiving that final decree, Mrs Redmon provided sound advice. Her swift action and a tireless effort to represent my truth turned a potentially negative outcome in a multi-layered complex divorce to a positive result. Honest and transparent communication at the front-end, her strategy never wavered, but rather was supported by fact, law and a fair defense.
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01 Jul, 2024 by Barry
Mrs. Redmon is my go to attorney. She is prompt to respond. She gives excellent consultation advice. She tells you your options and if you choose another option what are your possible consequences. Always check with Mrs. Redmon if in doubt. She handled my work with total professionalism and with expedience.
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29 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Kayla was extremely professional and dependable. She stayed organized and informative and was always there to answer my questions when needed. I felt completely satisfied with our end result and was lucky to have her!
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15 Nov, 2017 by Nancy
Woodrow Trondsen was an exemplary attorney when we purchased another business and merged the two companies together. He provided us with outstanding support, knowledge, and guidance before, during, and after the acquisition and merger. His attention to detail and knowledge of the law were only surpassed by his honesty, honor, and integrity. We highly recommend him and would not hesitate to contact him again for our future business needs.
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19 Apr, 2017 by Rob
Marlene Boshears is an awesome attorney. As a professional, she embodies ideal qualities. Marlene is knowledgeable, diligent, competent and advocates and communicates extremely well - everything I would want in a lawyer representing any of my interests. As a person, Marlene is kind, patient and always attempt to understand my fears and concerns. If you are looking for great legal representation, look no further than Ms. Marlene Boshears and her law firm, Boshears & Evans, PLLC.
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26 Sep, 2024 by Mary robinson
Nichole Dusche is the best Attorney one can have! She is a very caring, concerned, and knowledgeable young lady! Keep up the fantastic work Nichole,,,you rock and you deserve the best of everything 😊
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24 Sep, 2024 by Lovely b_for_life youtube
We hired Nichole Dusche for my nephew in Williamson County,, she was absolutely amazing from start to finish! If I could give her 1000 stars, I would without hesitation! She was very knowledgeable and she was reachable every time we had questions about the case. She definitely knows her way around the courtroom! Dealing with a loved one being incarcerated is always tough, but she gave us hope and she most definitely delivered! I recommend her to anyone in need and I’m very grateful that we chose her 10/10!!
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23 Sep, 2024 by Kimmowanus muse
Nichole Dusche is a very good attorney, and I would highly recommend her to represent you in court. She did a really good job with my son in only a short period of time. Im very happy with her!
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04 Jul, 2024 by Erodick3
Michele, Is simply awesome. She always has her clients best interest at heart and treats our cases like they are her own. She listens to our concerns and also knows exactly how to guide us to the best outcomes. She is highly recommended!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Ufoc prez
I have consulted McGill Law several times over the past years. My consultations always helped manage my expectations and provide me with the information I needed to make the best decisions I could. Quite often, I realized that I had a misunderstanding of the law based on my own research which ultimately led me to accept that my legal considerations should be handled by a licensed and experienced attorney. Moving forward, I will be consulting McGill law prior to making certain life decisions in an effort to best protect myself.
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02 Jul, 2024 by C. david lindley
Having a need for an attorney I choose McGill law because of their reputation as being fair and knowledgeable. I found this firm to be aggressive and having the appropriate strategy.
Call their office and discuss your needs. They have my recommendation.
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08 Mar, 2022 by John
I hired Derek to represent me in my Domestic case. He is very skilled in the court room. He has great relationships with judges & district attorneys. I would highly recommend him for any legal issues.
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05 Oct, 2020 by Scott
After being recommended by a family member, I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Smith's CV from his law firm website. I was encouraged by his wealth of experience, both as a lawyer and a judge. He was very personable and easy to converse with, while maintaining focus on the key points of the case. As my case had several delays for certain reasons such as the COVID breakout, Derek kept me apprised of everything going on with the proceedings. I was provided with all documentation regarding my case including evidence from the incident and court filings. He found several ways of approaching the case, while ending up with the best possible option for my situation. Additionally, the partners at his firm that he is able to confer with can offer their own expertise which he was able to share with me to explain their thoughts and reasoning. The outcome of my case was better than I could ever have expected, but even if that were not the case I am confident I had the best representation possible. I whole heartedly recommend Derek for anyone considering him for their counsel. He is an excellent attorney.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr Smith was very helpful even when he knew I already had another attorney but she wouldn't answer anything so he did answer some of them for me.
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04 Jul, 2024 by Erodick3
Michele, Is simply awesome. She always has her clients best interest at heart and treats our cases like they are her own. She listens to our concerns and also knows exactly how to guide us to the best outcomes. She is highly recommended!
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02 Jul, 2024 by Ufoc prez
I have consulted McGill Law several times over the past years. My consultations always helped manage my expectations and provide me with the information I needed to make the best decisions I could. Quite often, I realized that I had a misunderstanding of the law based on my own research which ultimately led me to accept that my legal considerations should be handled by a licensed and experienced attorney. Moving forward, I will be consulting McGill law prior to making certain life decisions in an effort to best protect myself.
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02 Jul, 2024 by C. david lindley
Having a need for an attorney I choose McGill law because of their reputation as being fair and knowledgeable. I found this firm to be aggressive and having the appropriate strategy.
Call their office and discuss your needs. They have my recommendation.
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04 Aug, 2023 by Michelle
With her advice, I felt confident moving forward and less scared. I wish Judy was closer to where I live. She has been more helpful to me than anyone local. She is a good person, honest, ethical, and knows how to move quickly when the situation calls for it.
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15 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Judy represented my sister in a divorce and I had to be very involved due to my sister's medical condition. Judy patiently listened, asked excellent questions, knew my sister's rights, and was compassionate about my sister's cognitive issues. Her advice and representation was excellent. My sister's divorce was final this week and we are pleased with the terms. If you hire Judy and are honest with her, just follow her advice and you can't go wrong.
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22 Apr, 2020 by Timothy
Building a successful family is challenging. When everything is going well in the household unit life is at it's most fulfilling moments. I have found just the opposite to also be true. After the wheels fall off of the bus a catastrophic crash seems to be the inevitable result. In the middle of all the chaos and pain, all I had to offer was a prayer. The answer to my prayer was Mrs. Judy Oxford. She has represented me on three different occasions. Two in regard to my children and once for a divorce.
Her integrity is impeccable. Mrs. Oxford's work ethic and professionalism is outstanding; head and shoulders above. The experience, wisdom, and legal knowledge that she brings to the table is unmatched. Thank you Mrs. Oxford for the compassion and support that you have shown my family. My God bless you for being a gift to our community.
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20 Oct, 2023 by Vicki
I had no idea what I was up against, but Diane took care of me during one of the toughest times of my life. She was professional and caring. She listened to me and my concerns and what I wanted and needed. I was blessed to have her as my lawyer through my divorce. Long Overdue...I survived and made it through because of you...thank you!
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30 Dec, 2019 by Brandi
I highly recommend Diane Crosier who represented me during divorce and post divorce. She handled emergency hearings, emergency restraining orders, mediation, and assets and liabilities professionally and knowledgeably. She answered questions quickly and thoroughly and was able to act quickly as twists and turns occurred. She helped me through a very difficult time and I truly appreciated how attentive, knowledgeable, and quick she was. Diane is very respected in the legal community and my interactions with her made it very evident why!
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15 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Diane has provided me with excellent direction and exemplary legal services on more than one occasion. She is second to none in her field. I trust her skills and advice completely and would highly recommend her! She has not only handled all my needs, she has done so with great compassion.
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07 Jan, 2024 by Michele
I'm disgusted, and I hope your career ends in ruins. You are not professional, you are easily bought with bribes. I know more about you than you could know. It will all come out publicly in time
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07 Feb, 2023 by Bryan nathan
This company is very knowledgeable and compassionate about any legal issues you’re faced with, spoke with a lawyer there which enlightened me on so many options regarding my issues thanks so much for speaking with me !!
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08 Aug, 2022 by Nedra imasuen
Calling them was very helpful and all my concerns and questions were answered with clarity. I can really appreciate their services it gave me a direction and a start. Very professional and my issues was addressed with great concerns. Thank you
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19 Nov, 2014 by Perry
Miss Ward settled my case for pennies on the dollar. After the settlement I learned that the insurance company was authorized to pay $25,000.00 without representation and without going to court to settle the case. I know this to be true because my co worker, who was also injured, accepted the settlement and declined Miss Ward's offer to represent her.
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30 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Ashley was a great lawyer. She represented my divorce cases in div 9 and after the judge made his ruling we found a mistake that needed to be immediatedly corrected. Ashley stayed in the courthouse with me until we were able to see the judge again so that he could make the corrections on the divorce decree. I thank her for being patient, especially when one doesn't know in's & out's about the law.
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25 Apr, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr Miller in September 2016. He charged me a flat fee to handle my case. We went to a hearing that lasted approx 1.5 hours. He promised to file petitions before Christmas 2016. I heard again from him in February explaining that he has been sick and asking for more money to file petitions. By mid April no petitions were filed. He deserves 0 stars. Now fighting to get my money back
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Juvenile Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A juvenile law lawyer specializes in legal issues involving minors, including those facing criminal charges, child welfare matters, or status offenses (like truancy or curfew violations). Juvenile law lawyers aim to protect the rights of minors and advocate for rehabilitation rather than punishment in criminal cases. They also help families navigate child custody, abuse, neglect cases, and other legal matters involving children.
If your child is facing criminal charges, or you are involved in a child welfare case, a juvenile law lawyer can help protect your child’s rights and work toward the most favorable outcome.
When Should I Hire a Juvenile Law Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a juvenile law lawyer in the following situations where minors are involved in legal matters:
- Juvenile criminal charges: If your child is accused of a crime, such as theft, assault, or drug offenses, a juvenile lawyer can represent them in juvenile court, advocating for leniency and alternatives to detention.
- Delinquency proceedings: A lawyer can help navigate delinquency charges, defending your child’s rights and seeking rehabilitative outcomes like counseling, probation, or diversion programs instead of incarceration.
- Status offenses: If your child has committed a status offense, such as truancy, running away, or underage drinking, a lawyer can help you resolve these issues in juvenile court, often focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- School disciplinary issues: If your child is facing school suspensions, expulsions, or other disciplinary actions, a lawyer can help protect their educational rights and challenge any unfair or unlawful school policies.
- Child protective services (CPS) investigations: If your family is being investigated by CPS for alleged abuse, neglect, or dependency, a lawyer can represent you and protect your child’s rights throughout the investigation.
- Custody disputes: A lawyer can help in cases involving child custody or guardianship disputes, ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritized and advocating for the child’s rights.
- Emancipation: If your child seeks legal emancipation from their parents or guardians, a lawyer can assist in navigating the legal process and help the child understand their rights and responsibilities.
Hiring a lawyer early in the legal process ensures that your child’s rights are protected and that the best possible outcomes are pursued.
What Does a Juvenile Law Lawyer Do?
A juvenile law lawyer provides various services to help minors and their families navigate the legal system. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing minors in court: A lawyer will represent your child in juvenile court, advocating for their rights and seeking rehabilitative outcomes rather than punitive measures.
- Filing motions and legal paperwork: The lawyer handles all necessary legal filings, including petitions, responses, and motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence.
- Negotiating with prosecutors: In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate plea deals or diversion programs that prevent the child from having a permanent criminal record or serving time in detention.
- Advising on rehabilitation programs: Juvenile law lawyers often focus on alternatives to incarceration, such as counseling, community service, or probation, helping minors avoid long-term legal consequences.
- Handling CPS and child welfare cases: If your family is involved in a CPS investigation or child welfare case, the lawyer can advocate for your child’s safety and well-being, ensuring that their rights are upheld.
- Defending minors against school discipline: A lawyer can help challenge unfair or excessive disciplinary actions taken by schools, ensuring that your child’s educational rights are protected.
- Advising families on legal options: A lawyer will explain the juvenile legal process to families, offering advice on the best legal strategies and what to expect during the case.
How Are Juvenile Law Lawyers Paid?
Juvenile law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment structures include:
- Hourly rate: Many juvenile law lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Flat fee: For simpler cases, such as status offenses or school disciplinary hearings, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all legal services related to the case.
- Retainer: In more complex cases, such as defending against serious criminal charges or handling a long-term CPS investigation, a lawyer may require a retainer, which is an upfront payment billed against as they work on the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some juvenile law lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or may provide pro bono (free) services for families who cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially in cases involving child welfare or delinquency.
Discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during your consultation to understand the total cost and payment options.
How Much Does a Juvenile Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a juvenile law lawyer depends on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the time involved. General cost estimates include:
- Juvenile criminal cases: Legal fees for defending a minor in juvenile criminal cases can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the severity of the charges and whether the case goes to trial.
- Status offenses: For cases involving minor offenses such as truancy or underage drinking, legal fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- CPS or child welfare cases: Legal fees for representing families in CPS investigations or child welfare cases can range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
- School disciplinary hearings: Legal fees for representing students in school-related issues may range from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the legal work required.
Make sure to get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure you understand the full scope of fees and services.
Top Questions to Ask a Juvenile Law Lawyer
Before hiring a juvenile law lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise to handle your child’s case effectively. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with juvenile law cases?
Make sure the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours, whether it’s juvenile delinquency, child custody, or CPS investigations. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer. Ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my child’s case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of the case, including potential challenges and likely outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Juvenile cases can vary in duration, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors might affect the timeline. -
Will you personally handle my child’s case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing the case and representing your child in court. -
What rights does my child have?
Ask the lawyer to explain your child’s legal rights, including their rights during police questioning, school disciplinary actions, and court proceedings.
How to Check the Credibility of a Juvenile Law Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable juvenile law lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for juvenile law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in juvenile law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate in juvenile cases.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on juvenile law matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for memberships in organizations like the National Juvenile Defender Center (NJDC) or certifications in juvenile law, which can indicate a lawyer’s dedication to representing minors.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a juvenile law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Court documents: Bring any legal documents related to your child’s case, such as summons, complaints, or court orders.
- School records: Provide any relevant school records, including disciplinary reports, attendance records, and communications from school officials.
- CPS or investigation reports: If your case involves child welfare, bring any reports or documentation from CPS or other investigating agencies.
- Timeline of events: Prepare a detailed timeline of events related to your child’s legal issue, including interactions with authorities or school officials.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the legal process, your child’s rights, and potential outcomes for the case.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your child’s situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice tailored to your needs.
