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05 Jun, 2024 by Rory klein
21 Feb, 2024 by Stan finley
Great law firm! Ryan was a very knowledgeable and helpful construction law attorney.
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05 Aug, 2022 by Ron tracy
I had a quick telephone call with Ryan from Tondevold Law about a Civil Citation I was issued by the City of Mesa for a tenant that lives in a property I own. Ryan was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the issue and gave some valuable suggestions how I could handle the issue myself. I would definitely hire them for any bigger issue.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
Melissa is beyond compassionate and extremely knowledgeable on family law ensuring my son is advocated for and protected. I went many years without the right representative and the consequences are difficult but Melissa is helping to correct much needed issues to resolve my case and finally bring me peace of mind. I'm forever grateful to her and her amazing team! Invaluable.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Heather
I came to Melissa while in a desperate situation needing to protect my children. Melissa's history as a sex offender prosecutor and victim's advocate make her skill set and expertise unique and extremely valuable. Her proactive approach saved me and my children from having to face court and from incurring tons of fees. Having Melissa as my legal representative gave me such peace of mind and major leverage to keeping the kids safe. I could not be more pleased with her work!
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16 Aug, 2024 by Elizabeth
Melissa is someone you definitely want in your corner should the need arise! She comes highly recommended! It gives me peace of mind that I could refer my family and friends to somebody like Melissa!
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10 Jan, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Jarvis is one of the most ethical lawyers I've ever worked with, and I would definitely call upon him again if the situation requires it.
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14 Oct, 2020 by Tracy
I used Garrett Smith at the office. Garrett listened to my concerns, kept me updated throughout this process. He was able to get my case dismissed. The office staff is professional as well. I wouldnt go to any other attorney.
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25 Sep, 2020 by Bill
Real pleasure to work with. I concider him a friend. He took all the pressure off my shoulders and he listened to my problem and the two of us came up with a plan to proceed. The problem resolved it self. The simple strategy worked.
Thank you. Bill
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04 May, 2017 by Tarl
I am an attorney myself, in family law. A few months ago I began what has become an emotional roller coaster ride, and listening to the advice of others, I decided to take myself out of the court side and allow myself to focus on myself and children. Jennifer took the reins, and I haven't had a single regret since. She is hands down, one of the best I have ever worked with in this field. While we still sit and discuss the case, she has a way of seeing the picture that others would not, and has dealt with false accusations, difficult opposing counsel, and a plethora of underhanded tactics from opposing counsel. She has done so with finesse and professionalism and not once lowered herself to such behavior. I highly recommend her... when my own case load is full of course. :D
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20 Apr, 2017 by Howie
Jennifer is very thorough in her preparation, yet keeps her focus and her client's focus on the main goals of your case and avoids getting caught up in the unimportant details of your case. Great at getting results in the best interests of her clients.
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18 Apr, 2017 by Steve
Attorney Jennifer Walston was easy to work with and made me feel very comfortable throughout the process. Communication with her and her staff was prompt and to the point. She obtained a judgment for money owed to me and then recorded the judgment in the counties I requested the document to be recorded. Fees were very reasonable and I would highly recommend Attorney Jennifer Walston to anyone needing legal assistance. Thanks Walston Law Group!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Jason
Twice now I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Bernabe-Rice and her paralegal, Jenna, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with their services. Ms. Bernabe-Rice exemplifies professionalism in every aspect of her work. She is knowledgeable, attentive, and always made me feel like a priority. Her expertise and dedication were evident throughout my case, and I felt confident knowing I was in capable hands.
Additionally, Jenna’s punctuality and efficiency were remarkable. She ensured that all documents were prepared and submitted on time, which greatly alleviated my stress. Her attention to detail and prompt responses to my inquiries were much appreciated.
Together, Ms. Bernabe-Rice and Jenna make an exceptional team. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance.
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20 Apr, 2023 by James c
Nicole is beyond the best lawyer I have ever hired I lost costudy and my kids got to move to another state when I contacted Nicole she assured me she would do her best to get me my kids. She got my kids back in the state of Arizona and got me full costudy if it wasn’t for her I would still be with out my kids! I’m grateful for her and her team !
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26 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
I have Nicole Bernabe-Rice and her paralegal, Jenna Erikson, as representation for my child support modification. Both have been very professional, knowledgable, responsive and dedicated. Miss Bernabe-Rice does not back down from a fight but also keeps emotions out and knows your rights and the law. It is exactly what is needed in my case. I highly recommend them!
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09 Aug, 2023 by Patricia
Ms. Shorr is very professional and well versed on Arizona law. She helped my husband and I get custody of my nieces that were not in a good situation. She is straight to the point and honest with you. A year of court was worth the wait. I will always be thankful for everything she did for us. I highly recommend her and her expertise in court.
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20 Mar, 2019 by Jennifer
Margo really knows her stuff and she made us feel secure. She knew things the other lawyers seemed to not know and it helped us to keep and adopt our son who we had been fostering. This was the most important thing in our lives and Margo was instrumental in making it happen.
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17 Jul, 2016 by Karen
Margo is a highly skilled litigator in the courtroom. She has a great understanding of AZ family law as it relates to grandparents rights. The outcome of our case was 100% in our favor, even though our grandchild was from another state. She adhered to all the rules, kept us informed and applied the law fairly. 10*********stars!
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30 Jan, 2012 by Anonymous
I would absolutely recommend Ms. Mooney to anyone needing a Family Lawyer. She pays attention to the details, listens to her clients and is honest about how she thinks the case will progress. She knows the law and is absolutely someone you want in your corner!
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25 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
Kim is an outstanding attorney. She responds right away. She did a wonderful job handling the other attorney. She sent harshly worded letters when they were needed and she stayed on the ball consistently through this case. She got me more than I could have hoped in my child custody and child support case. She knows the family court system and is familiar with the judges.
She knew who the best family evaluators were as well as counselors. She also knew how to write responses. Her support staff are friendly and knowledgeable as well. She told me the kind of evidence I would need, and she made time for me whenever I needed to meet with her.
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30 Dec, 2010 by Anonymous
Best experience I've ever had with a lawyer. Highly recommended.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Olivia
I fell that of all my appeals attorneys that this guy really sought out circumstances and truth to the best of his ability with information allowed per the case. I have had some that did not even use more that a paragraph containing the los of my child this man used a few pages and previous statute to back up cause. Great Job for 3 years!
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26 Jun, 2012 by Carol
Attorney Priestley listened as you would want your Attorney to do.
Understanding? yes...instilled confidence in me.
I do recommend Sara Priestley. You will too.
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22 Oct, 2012 by Tina
Mr. Dault is a responsive, honest, and caring lawyer. This is a characteristic of which you don't find in many lawyers. He is fair and discusses the legal matters in language that an ordinary person can understand and make informed decision.
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21 Mar, 2019 by Alex
Megan was professional, courteous, and extremely helpful throughtout the dependency case. She was on top of everything, and was firm when necessary. Megan Didn't flinch, or back down, and always had my best interest in mind. She was straightforward about the family court proceedings during our consultation and very thorough about all my question. I honestly could not have done any of this without her guidenance. She was with me every step of the way, and I know I can always count on her when I need her services. Thank you Megan!
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12 Apr, 2017 by Julie
Colene was one of the best public advocates I've ever had the awesome fortune to walk into a courtroom with. She knows what the hell she's saying /doing and fights for exactly what YOU want and noone else. She faught hard for me and remembered every detail of my case and myself for the whole 6 months I knew her and after I turned 18 she told me she could still help me to get my juvenile record sealed ! SHE WAS AMAZING. And I can't thank her enough
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20 Jan, 2016 by Scott
Having Justin handle my case was smooth from the start. He explained the process and was transparent throughout. (Made our family comfortable) Great balance of being both professional & personable. Delivered our desired outcome!
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5.0
16 Reviews
4.9
149 Reviews
30 Jul, 2024 by Sarah murphy
We had a great experience working with Daniel. Our accident situation was very stressful and we didn’t know where to start. Thankfully we found Daniel and not only did he take care of all the stress and unknown, he explained everything well and is very easy to get ahold of and gives you all the time you need. It was wonderful to be able to focus on our healing and our family, knowing we were in good hands.
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14 Jun, 2024 by Yandi valdes
Gracias al abogado Adam y todo su equipo de trabajo. Se los súper recomendaría a cualquiera con toda la confianza del mundo son muy profesionales en el trabajo que realizan. Me siento bendecido por el trabajo que realizó el abogado a mi favor. Por mi experiencia es la mejor oficina de abogados que pude haber conseguido, siempre atentos y muy amables conmigo. Gracias
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24 Apr, 2024 by Michael shallal
If you want justice for a loved one for medical malpractice, and wrongful death stay away from this law firm. They will only take your case if the victim and their family didn't sign any medical documents at the hospital. Not sure what planet they practice law on. What a waste of time.
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30 Jul, 2024 by Sarah murphy
We had a great experience working with Daniel. Our accident situation was very stressful and we didn’t know where to start. Thankfully we found Daniel and not only did he take care of all the stress and unknown, he explained everything well and is very easy to get ahold of and gives you all the time you need. It was wonderful to be able to focus on our healing and our family, knowing we were in good hands.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Michael shallal
If you want justice for a loved one for medical malpractice, and wrongful death stay away from this law firm. They will only take your case if the victim and their family didn't sign any medical documents at the hospital. Not sure what planet they practice law on. What a waste of time.
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14 Feb, 2023 by Angelita martínez
Jackson White. Awesome Job on my case!! Daniel was the person that worked with my case. Amazing job! I’m really grateful. He’s an excellent person. He always was informing me to tell me everything that was happening. He explained everything very well! I Really recommend!
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20 Feb, 2024 by Linda wahl
It's important to find a skilled estste attorney and we highly recommend Joseph Udall because he's a well prepared professional and explains documents in detail. He is patient and communicates clearly to help us make good choices. Thank you Mr Udall. We appreciate your hard work and kindness towards us.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Mark roberts
Joe is an incredible attorney. I have worked with him several times for estate administration and probate and he always delivers. He is patient, thorough, and is good a explaining things both simply and intelligently. I highly recommend!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Eric dorfman
Joseph Udell is a very thorough attorney. Joe helped us revise our living trust. We’ve done this three or four times over our lifetime. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of How trusts work but this time, my wife and myself and Joseph looked at every page of everything the will the trust the power of attorney’s and explained it to us and I didn’t know half as much as I thought, so we were really appreciative of this. It took a little while, but we never felt hurried or stressed because every question I had was able to be answered clearly. This is such an important part of making sure all your wishes going to be followed precisely. his support staff is also excellent Roxie spent a lot of time with me calling and getting information so that this trust could be done properly. Really nice environment highly recommend.
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20 Feb, 2024 by Linda wahl
It's important to find a skilled estste attorney and we highly recommend Joseph Udall because he's a well prepared professional and explains documents in detail. He is patient and communicates clearly to help us make good choices. Thank you Mr Udall. We appreciate your hard work and kindness towards us.
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05 Feb, 2024 by Mark roberts
Joe is an incredible attorney. I have worked with him several times for estate administration and probate and he always delivers. He is patient, thorough, and is good a explaining things both simply and intelligently. I highly recommend!
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30 Jan, 2024 by Eric dorfman
Joseph Udell is a very thorough attorney. Joe helped us revise our living trust. We’ve done this three or four times over our lifetime. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of How trusts work but this time, my wife and myself and Joseph looked at every page of everything the will the trust the power of attorney’s and explained it to us and I didn’t know half as much as I thought, so we were really appreciative of this. It took a little while, but we never felt hurried or stressed because every question I had was able to be answered clearly. This is such an important part of making sure all your wishes going to be followed precisely. his support staff is also excellent Roxie spent a lot of time with me calling and getting information so that this trust could be done properly. Really nice environment highly recommend.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Jabril caldwell-parker
Terrible law firm. Charlie Naegle went out of his way to purposely be a nuisance when representing me in my case as an attorney and advisory counsel. Go to Morgan & Morgan.
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25 Jul, 2024 by Jonny granite mountain
Brad was the worst lawyer I have ever met. He cost me 100's of thousands of dollars due to errors and lack of review of details. He billed me for work he never did. . He negotiated horribly on my behalf.. I would run as far away from him as possible.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Angie centeno
I knew Naegle Law Firm was the best choice from me when I had shared some information about my case and within a few hours got in Contact and met with Mr. Charles Naegle that same day. He was very straight forward and honest to ensure I knew what my potential outcomes were and here just a few months later I’m more than satisfied at the ease of my case took and was finished. I’d highly recommend this law firm to anyone searching for an amazing lawyer.
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13 Jun, 2024 by Nanette
I am immensely grateful for the outstanding job Eric W. Kessler did in advocating for me throughout every step of my divorce. As a stay-at-home mother, I was deeply concerned about my financial future and uncertain about the next steps in this challenging process. From our first meeting, Eric’s extensive knowledge and expertise in family law, built over his impressive 40 years of experience, were evident and provided me with much-needed reassurance.
Eric’s approach to my case was nothing short of exceptional. He demonstrated a perfect balance of empathy and assertiveness, understanding my concerns while being aggressive when necessary to protect my interests. His strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of my situation was thoroughly addressed. Eric’s ability to anticipate potential issues and proactively navigate through them was remarkable, ultimately securing a favorable outcome for me and my children.
What truly sets Eric apart is his unwavering dedication and commitment to his clients. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed, and his guidance was both clear and compassionate. Eric’s professionalism and tenacity in the courtroom were impressive and instilled confidence in me throughout the proceedings.
I cannot thank Eric W. Kessler enough for his exceptional service and steadfast support during this pivotal time in my life. His expertise and experience in family law made all the difference, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a highly skilled and dedicated attorney. Eric is not just a lawyer; he is a true advocate who genuinely cares about his clients and their futures.
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26 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
I’m so glad I found Eric Kessler and highly recommend him. I recently moved to Arizona from another state and needed an attorney to do a restatement of my current trust to conform to Arizona law. I wanted a professional who: is very knowledgeable about trusts, who would be responsive and communicate timely with me, who would allow me to review the draft before expecting me to sign off on the finished product (apparently this is not a common practice here, which surprised me), and who was willing to answer all my questions. Eric provided all these and more. He really listened, provided lots of good ideas, explained everything so well, and the final documents are well written and understandable. His process, as well as the other attorneys and staff in his firm, was efficient, professional and respectful of my time as well as his. It’s no wonder he is rated so highly by his clients as well as attorney rating sites.
I highly recommend him to my peers who may be seeking guidance in estate planning. Thank you, Eric, I am so grateful for your superior work!
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04 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Eric represented me in several different cases, including my divorce. Eric and his firm are professional and caring and were there for me whenever I needed them. He was very knowledgeable, committed, and detailed oriented and always kept me informed. He will fight for his clients in their best interests. Making the choice to trust Eric and Kessler Law Group was the best decision I could have done for this difficult time in my life.
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05 Sep, 2024 by Abe henderson
Unethical scam artists that regularly get disbarred and only care about billable hour$. If you’re not racking up hour$, even after telling them about your budget, they’ll drop you right before trial and leave you unrepresented. Need your files? Too bad, pay your ransom.
They schedule appointments against your will and charge you anyways, even after telling them you didn’t agree to it. They’ll backpay themselves when you weren’t represented by them and chit chat about the weather to bloat the hour$.
They’ll also whisper into their recording device “No client-attorney privilege”, before asking questions around other unknown people, outside of their office. Don’t like that? Go unrepresented or write a blank check.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Valentyna sprinkle
Obsolutly irrelevant Law firm, not helping to client outgoing custody issues, most worries getting upfront retainer money good amount most priority and hourly pay by credit cards trust accounts
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20 Aug, 2024 by Jay dumas
14 Jan, 2020 by Jeff towns
Deborah Varney is very experienced when it comes to family law and I'm very pleased she represented me during the process of my dissolution of marriage. Deb worked diligently and was very thorough during a difficult time in my life. Deborah doesn't "sugar coat" anything and is a straight shooter. With experience comes a price, and she was priceless when I received everything I had asked for, especially the parenting time with my two young daughters. Do not hesitate to hire Deborah Varney as your lawyer, you will not regret it!
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12 Aug, 2019 by Bonifacio
Deborah Varney was a great choice to help me through a divorce. Deborah was always prepared and gave me excellent advice from the start. I was referred to Deborah for my legal case and I have referred several people to her law firm.
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18 Jun, 2018 by Anonymous
Deborah Varney was one of the best choices I've made in my life! I'm so thankful my friend recommended her.
Deb has been practicing family law for so many years, I knew immediately within the first 5 minutes that she knew what she was talking about. Deb is brutally honest and direct! No beating around the bush with her! She knows her sh/+!! She blew my ex husband out of the water on the stand! She caught him in so many lies.
I wasn't asking my ex for the world, just what was fair. Deb explained things to me, I would have never thought to ask for.
My children and I can now move forward and begin our lives!
Thank you Deborah Varney!! We are so grateful for you! You ROCK!!
This woman knows her stuff and you'd be crazy not to hire her.
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10 May, 2024 by Denise blanchette
Mr. Rowley and his staff have been attentive, supportive and professional in handling a difficult situation involving custody of a grandchild.
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20 Mar, 2023 by Jeremy gish
20 Mar, 2023 by D riding
Takes and runs. 👎
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14 Mar, 2020 by Jamie robertson
I have known Stephen for many years. He is extremely ethical and knowledgeable. More than that he cares! I have seen him help so many of my clients. When I needed him, he was there for me... I would highly recommend Stephen as he will be there for you. More than that he is highly skilled in Estate, Trust and Probate.
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25 Apr, 2019 by Daniela titus
Emily made it super easy to set up our living trust and wills. Thank you!
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22 Mar, 2019 by Terrence luebbert
They do not know basic math, and do not do what they are asked.
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10 May, 2024 by Denise blanchette
Mr. Rowley and his staff have been attentive, supportive and professional in handling a difficult situation involving custody of a grandchild.
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20 Mar, 2023 by Jeremy gish
20 Mar, 2023 by D riding
Takes and runs. 👎
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03 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Sarah was such a strong support when it came to not only having my voice heard in court and legal justice but mostly my child's voice. She is hands down the best!!
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11 Dec, 2013 by Anonymous
Rude, standoffish, doesn't seem to know much of the ins and outs of court. I found more resourceful information in one afternoon and she managed too in 4 months
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18 Jan, 2012 by Patricia
Sarah Youngblood is a very professional no nonsense attorney who is very experienced and will aggressively work on your case until the last motion is filed with the court and continue to fight like a pittbull (wont let go) until the case is closed. Even after my case was closed she continued to answer and return my phones calls and questions. If I ever need the services of an attorney again I will most definitely call on Sarah Youngblood again because I am very confident I will have all of my rights protected in the court room.
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03 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
I was hit with an erroneous protective order from my soon to be ex wife after I filed for divorce.
I was devastated as I always maintained a spotless record.
After hiring another attorney, I was hoping to get this Order of Protection quashed. 3 days before my hearing, this other attorney suddenly withdrew from counsel as there was a conflict of interest that they overlooked.
I was terrified and by pure chance, I was given Eve's number from someone who works in the same building my office is in.
Even took my case on such a short notice and her team worked tirelessly for the next day and a half to help build my defense for the pending hearing.
At the hearing, Eve was the reason the hearing went in my favor. Her knowledge of the law and her plan of action worked so well that my wife actually ending up admitting in court that no harm was ever done to her!
As painful as the divorce has been, I owe so much thanks to Eve for the peace of mind I feel today.
Thank you so much Eve. I will gladly recommend you to everyone I know. You are truly an amazing attorney!!
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14 Sep, 2011 by John
She was very helpful attorney. I went through 3 attorney's before her, and she was the only one who actually cared and didnt charge me up the ass. Highly recommendable..
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12 Sep, 2011 by Sun devil
This attorney is not dependable. She is not competent when it comes to legal paper work. Paper work that was inteneded to protect me, ended up hurting me terribly. She is very scattered and unoraganized with poor attention to detail. She tends to lose her temper and yell. Has poor follow through.
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10 Jun, 2021 by Anonymous
Have tried contacting this attorney twice through two different mediums, never responded. Would have to qualify that as a 2 star, but he may have potential I'll never know.
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14 Mar, 2020 by Jamie robertson
I have known Stephen for many years. He is extremely ethical and knowledgeable. More than that he cares! I have seen him help so many of my clients. When I needed him, he was there for me... I would highly recommend Stephen as he will be there for you. More than that he is highly skilled in Estate, Trust and Probate.
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25 Apr, 2019 by Daniela titus
Emily made it super easy to set up our living trust and wills. Thank you!
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Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
