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02 Jan, 2025 by Nyterabyte 1
Inferiority complex? When she introduced herself to me, she mentioned that she thought I had some pre-formed opinion of her that she was a young girl, incapable to represent me properly. I assure you, i had no pre-conceived notions. She did however prove to be the wrong representation for me. If you are not female, do not hire. Christine Verbitsky represented me in a case involving my ex-wife, where I had been overpaying child support for years. She sat down to negotiate with my ex and after some girlish giggling came back to tell me how many thousands i needed to produce that very day or face incarceration. This from the person who was to protect me. I am still traumatized years later. Just to give perspective, I now have full custody, but my ex still owes me over 30K. This is where Miss Verbitsky has left me. She shamelessly threw me under the bus basically extorting thousands of dollars from her own client, under threat of incarceration. She actually was the only one to ever mention incarceration to me and she warned me it was imminent. I left this attorney review on AVVO, and she immediately emailed me, threatening me with libel or some nonsensical legal action. Please. Sue me, I will counter-sue for the 7 thousand you made me borrow to, "stay out of jail." Should never have happened. I blame my representation entirely for the outcome. Again, look at her reviews, all women Have a nice day.
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04 Nov, 2024 by Michael moloney
I recently used Hornberger & Verbitsky To handle a Family Court issue. AnneMarie was pleasant and efficient handling my case In a timely manner … Thanks again to everyone in the office, very friendly and outgoing
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09 Oct, 2024 by Jamilee buttgereit
I have been a client of AnneMarie Lanni for some time now. She has been helping me work through many serious issues revolving around custody of my daughter. From day one, she has always been open, truthful, and communicative with me. I never once felt like she did not care or didn't have the time for my case. Communication has never been an issue. Whenever I needed to speak to her, she has always reached out to me if it was through the firm's portal, email, or by phone. She is extremely friendly and warm, which makes it so much easier to work with her. But do not let her friendly demeanor fool you. When it comes to presenting in court, she is a straight shooter and isn't easy to rattle. She is not the one to be pushed around and has always been on top of her game. She makes it known that my child and my concerns are her top priority. I have always felt comfortable entering a courtroom because of her. She comes prepared. She is very knowledgeable of family law, and it truly shows when she is standing in front of the judge while representing her client. She is fantastic, and I can not thank her enough for being in my corner during a very difficult time in my life. I would like to add that the office staff at the firm are all top notch. Any time I have had any interaction with the paralegals or secretaries in the office, it has always been a pleasant experience. They are helpful and kind. Again, I highly recommend this law firm for all family law issues, especially AnneMarie.
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31 May, 2021 by Katherine
At this time, I am a current client of this law firm. I hired Ron in the darkest time of my life. My soon to be ex husband was upset because I filed for divorce. Furthermore, my estranged husband has attempted to destroy my professional license and reputation. Within a couple of months, Ron and his team were able to rectify that. We are just getting through the divorce. Ron is a brilliant, calm attorney. He knows the law well and is well respected by the court. I strongly recommend him for any of your legal needs. You definitely want him on your side. He is an expert negotiator who has a keen attention to detail but appropriately balances that with the big picture. He is guiding me through the entire process in a highly effective manner. He operates with compassion and provides a realistic assessment of where you stand, which I need. He always is responsive and both he and his team are quick to answer questions/calls and turn things around.
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02 Jul, 2018 by Yessica chicas
THIS MAN IS GREAT!!! HE IS SO CARING, PROFESSIONAL HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING HE IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST . I want to Thank Mr. Ronald Zimmer on everything he has done i asked around so many lawyers and they told me i would never get full custody of my daughter and i did thanks to him i do. He will call you answer your questions i will definitely be coming to him from now on forever his client . Amazing Man
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26 Apr, 2018 by Steve
I used Mr. Zimmer for my divorce case. I’m glad that I did, he fought for me every step of the way. I’ve never had someone fight so hard for me before and speak up for me with such passion and conviction. This attorney is hands on, I don’t think there was one aspect of my case that Mr. Zimmer didn’t oversee personally. A true class act and professional. I’m more than satisfied, I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute to use Mr. Zimmer again for any legal matter. Top notch law firm!
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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:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. 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.

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