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22 Jun, 2018 by Kelcie
I have been a client for over 5 years. Wendy is amazing. She walks you through the entire process and looks out for the best interest of your children. She thinks about issues that may arise in the future and tries to include those in the original order so that you don’t have to go back to court multiple times. She is thorough, organized and always responds to your questions quickly. She will tell you upfront what the laws state so going into the court room isn’t a surprise and she tells you what you can expect from a judge in any situation or how it can play out if a case were to go to trial. She doesn’t sugar coat anything and isn’t there to just collect your money, in fact she tells you upfront how much it will cost and attempts to avoid trial to save you money. If you’re going through a child custody case I would highly recommend using this law firm!
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10 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
Wendy is a very honest attorney. I was very lucky to have found Wendy Mcginnis law firm. I got everything I wanted out of this case. Wendy assured me that by being a man would not prevent me from getting custody of my twin daughters and my son. I highly recommend Wendy Mcginnis to anyone who needs an excellent attorney.
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04 Jan, 2024 by Delta
Mr Gerald hemness jr... Is such a blessing to the Tampa Bay area he really takes the load off your shoulders on tough situations very understandable and courteous to whom ever is reading this and would like to use their services I highly recommend very easy get in contact with give him a try if you are wanting to experience good consultation or higher....
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13 Nov, 2023 by Maura
My father and I worked with Mr. Hemness from another state assisting us with a guardianship case. We all knew that it would have its bumps, but his extensive knowledge of both Florida law and laws in other states, ease in navigating the system, and gentle calming manner brought this process to a conclusion before other lawyers in the area would even give us an appointment for a consultant. He is extremely responsive to both email and telephone calls. I simply could not have asked for anything more. If you have the need for an attorney for guardianship, Mr. Hemness is the attorney you want.
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20 Dec, 2021 by Lorraine and george
Gerald Hemness' education and experience by themselves are an impressive package. He is a well-seasoned attorney in guardianship law.
Gerald can assess your case and give clear, thorough guidance for every step of the way. His patience is unsurpassed, and he promptly answers every question respectfully. He prepares you for success in and out of the courtroom.
We would highly recommend Gerald to anyone who finds themselves at any stage of this process. We were in an urgent situation, and Mr. Hemness went out of his way to take our case. He was like a kind, older brother leading us through every step.
His advice was straightforward, and his charges were reasonable – he's everything you would hope for when utilizing the services of an attorney for this type of case.
Guardianship is a necessary but oftentimes unpleasant step that is required to chart a safe path for a loved one's future, and it can bring up so many emotions. Mr. Hemness successfully helped us gain the custody we sought of our family member.
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29 Sep, 2018 by Terry
I hired Attorney Daniel Pilka to represent me in a lawsuit filed against me for HOA Attorney fees. I told Attorney Pilka since day 1, that I have limited resources, as a homeowner. Each month, Mr. Pilka send me billings that show excessive phone calls, that he says he made to the Plaintiff and the other defendant's attorneys. Mind you there was practically no activity on the case for the entire year I retained his services. I send him emails telling not to waste my resources on phone calls. In frustration, I terminated his services after I exhausted $4300+ and he informed me that he couldn't guarantee me a win unless I pay him more resourses$$. As it turns out, after I terminated Attorney Pilka, he sent me an email advising me that during his Motion to terminate as my Attorney, the judge advised that I was not at fault, and did not owe the Plaintiff any attorney fees as they claimed. Attorney Pilka is very knowledgeable in HOA matters, but I wouldn't recommend him to individual homeowners who have limited resources, as his billings are extremely high, he would be a better fit with a Community Association.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
We were never asked before amended complaints were filed, appeals filed. All very costly for us the clients.
Worse than that Mr. Pilka neglected to use any Statutes or case law in his pleadings, hus giving the judge nothing to go on but rumor and heresay.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You
A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.
Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.
When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?
Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:
- Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
- Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
- Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
- Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
- Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
- Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.
What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?
A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
- Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
- Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
- Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
- Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
- Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
- Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.
How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?
Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
- Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
- Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.
Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.
How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
- Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.
Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer
Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case. -
What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation. -
How long will the mediation process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests. -
Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.
How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
- Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:
- Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
- List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
- Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
- Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
- Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.
