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Gail M. Towne, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 28 reviews
Average
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42,83
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4.8/5
Avvo
5.0
20 Reviews
Google Maps
4.4
8 Reviews
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16 Jan, 2025 by Angela mabus
Professional, gentle but to the point, knows her stuff. Trust worthy and honest. Highly recommend.
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11 Apr, 2024 by Paige tortorelli
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28 Jan, 2023 by A frye
Angie is a very valuable attorney to utilize. Her expedient response and swift actions demonstrate her passion for her clients. Her services are of highest quality. I highly recommend using her for any legal issues you may need.
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Saraphoena Boudrie Koffron, experienced Appeals, Child Custody attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 27 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
42,33
star star star star star
4.9/5
Google Maps
4.9
27 Reviews
star star star star star
06 Aug, 2023 by Zane shami
Saraphoena is passionate, highly ethical, and professional attorney. She stive to find best resolutions to conflict, that put the child best interest first, even if it meant less fees paid to her services. I am a single dad, and not familiar with family law, didn't grow up here, my English is not perfect, but yet, she was patient with me explaining things to me in a language I could understand. She doesn't promise you the moon, she doesn't tell you what you want to hear, rather, she gives you the honest opinion about your case. She spent a lot of time on my case doing academic research with the FOC, then found out that it wasn't to the best of my interest to proceed, she decided to credit my account for the time she spent, then sent me back a check! I was very surprised! She is worth every dollar you spent, when the case is closed, you will find out that you actually saved money by hiring her because she is efficient and knowledgeable, does what make financial sense to her client, which was more important to her than making money on my case. I enjoyed getting to know and working Saraphoena, I hope I don't have to deal with family law again, but if I do, I know I can depend on her to ensure my daughter interest is well protected, fair treatment for me as a single dad with FOC, and most importantly, continue to have a positive co-parenting with my daughter's mother.
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18 Feb, 2023 by Robert hundley
Saraphoena listened to my case with empathy, provided excellent guidance, prepared like no other, and ultimately represented professionally and passionately in the courtroom. I am so glad Saraphoena Koffran was my representation in a post-judgement matter regarding my child. I was shocked, and extremely pleased, with the vast difference of her preparation and knowledge in the courtroom than the opposing party.
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07 Feb, 2023 by Jeffrey bruss
Saraphoena is a pleasure to work with! She is an expert in her field and makes complicated issues easy to understand. She works hard to advocate for her clients and I would highly recommend her.
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Joseph L. Hohler III, experienced Appeals, Child Custody attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 29 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,89
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4.7/5
Avvo
4.9
12 Reviews
Google Maps
4.5
17 Reviews
star star star star star
21 Dec, 2024 by Guillermo rodriguez
Highly recommend for immigration issues. He was straightforward and answered all the questions I had about my mother’s case at the initial consultation. He really knows his immigration stuff just be sure to have all your documents and questions ready for your case.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Ancella kristanti
We were trying to apply for a spouse visa. After trying to do it ourselves and got scammed by an immigration attorney, it was a blessing that we met Marc and it was the best decision we ever made to take him as our attorney Process took about 1 year, yes it might seem long but the hold up was from our side. We were caught up with our daily life and didn't able to comply Marc's request according to his timeline, however, Marc is always patience with us Once I got my interview schedule in my home country, Marc was willing to have video conference and did a trial interview with me I've been in this country for almost a year and already got my green card. Every now and then I had some legal questions about legal documents and Marc is always able to answer my question thoroughly Again, taking Marc as our attorney is the best decision ever. We met a lot of people that had issues with immigration and they all use Marc and they're successfully get what they need Whenever we meet someone in need of an immigration lawyer, Marc is always on our speed dial
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04 Oct, 2024 by Benjamin etshim
Marc is an attorney with questionable ethics, integrity, and honesty, took on an immigration case for my sister-in-law, who was dealing with the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa. He claimed to have handled similar cases and requested $3,500 from a vulnerable African woman. However, once paid, he began avoiding her and neglected the case entirely. Despite the urgency of the situation, Marc wasted months without doing any meaningful work. By August, he had made no progress and consistently avoided meeting with us, claiming he was sick. In total, he only spent 2.5 hours with her, and even though we sent him over 45 emails, he never responded. Marc has refused to refund the money and caused my sister-in-law’s case to miss critical deadlines. As a WMU alumnus and former resident of Kalamazoo, Marc is taking advantage of immigrant families. Please do not trust his services—he's only interested in taking your money. We ended up working on the case ourselves and left him with the money, but we know God is seeing him. DO NOT PAY HIM FULLY BEFORE THE END OF THE CASE.
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Michelle Ann McIntyre, experienced Child Custody, Family Law attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 20 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,62
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
20 Reviews
star star star star star
05 Jun, 2024 by Sandy
Michelle and her assistant Jody are very knowledgeable,compassionate and willing to go that extra mile if needed. Handled my divorce in a professional manner, answered all my many questions , told me what to expect, and were reassuring . Thank you both so much.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Linda
Michelle was there to assist me though very difficult divorce with children in 2014. She was always there to meet with me and had a quick response to any questions or concerns that I had. She always kept me up to date with the process. Over the last 8 years, I have faced repeating challenges with child support issues. Michelle has met with me on short notice, taken my phone calls and guided me through these challenging situations. I highly recommend Michelle as a trusted advisor and advocate. One thing to keep in mind is to interview each lawyer, and judge for yourself. I met with three to four attorneys before selecting Michelle. One person's bad review is not necessarily the true representation of everyone's experience. Excellent attorney.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Rachael
Michelle came highly recommended by a friend/business professional. She was excellent with communicating how to achieve my desired results concerning my divorce. She laid out concisely what our strategy would be and how to execute it. She instructed and advised clearly in regard to child support, spousal support, division of property, etc. She was heart felt in her approach and I felt that she could relate to what I was going through. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone struggling with the weighty issue of divorce.
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Colleen M. Markou, experienced Child Custody, Family Law attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 31 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
39,17
star star star star star
4.6/5
Avvo
5.0
20 Reviews
Google Maps
4.0
11 Reviews
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05 Dec, 2022 by H8 xeus
do not trust this "man" to represent you. he sucks at his job. he should quit being a lawyer. you are better off with a public defender. save your money. this greedy bastard will take your money and then do a piss poor job. Bob, you should be ashamed of yourself.
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09 Aug, 2022 by Tracie brooks
Left a message and never got a return call ;( very disappointed
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14 Jul, 2022 by Vincent margol
An excellent attorney, patient and professional. If you have the misfortune to need an attorney for any of the situations Mr. Ryan handles, do yourself a favor and give him a call.
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Stephen J Hessen, experienced Business, Estate Planning attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 1 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,03
star star star star star
5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
star star star star star
16 Apr, 2019 by Jim
I have had the pleasure of working with Steve and his firm for 15+ years now on a number of matters including; litigation, contract review, acquisitions, compliance, and real estate agreements. I appreciate Steve's approach, professionalism, and extensive experience and knowledge. I highly recommend Steve and his team and they are my go to team for all business and personal legal matters.
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Erika Salerno Shadowens, experienced Business, Child Custody attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 41 reviews
Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
31,83
star star star star star
4.2/5
Google Maps
4.2
41 Reviews
star star star star star
12 Dec, 2024 by Melissa marie
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Steve piper
Google Maps
star star star star star
08 Jul, 2024 by Victoria racz
Thank goodness for DeMent & Marquardt! My dad started working with Bill Millard to organize his legal affairs several years ago, and it was one of the best decisions he ever made. When I had to take over legal/financial responsibilities after my dad couldn't, Bill was right there to make everything easy and understandable. After both of my parents died (my dad in 10-14 and my mom in 1-16) Bill was there again to help me navigate the complicated process. He also assisted me in finding a wonderful realtor (Rick Crepas - he really went above and beyond as well) to sell the family home, and Bill helped to deal with other assets, such as my dad's car. Charles Ofstein from DeMent & Marquardt helped with my mom's estate and was just as fabulous - it was great teamwork all around. Here's the clincher - all of this took place took place cross country, as I live in Washington State! What should have been an extremely difficult undertaking was made Stress-Free because of Bill and his team. The Estate has just officially closed, and I couldn't be happier.
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Jeff Murphy, experienced Business, Mediation attorney in Kalamazoo, MI with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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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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