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Ruth Alexandra Goldner, experienced Child Custody, Family Law attorney in Royal Oak, MI with 34 reviews
Average
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47,02
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4.8/5
Avvo
5.0
23 Reviews
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4.5
11 Reviews
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10 Feb, 2025 by Randy
I had the privilege of working with Ruth Goldner and her team during my divorce, and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. Going through such an emotionally charged time was challenging, especially with several personal factors at play, but Ruth’s expertise and compassionate approach provided the support I needed. From the beginning, Ruth took the time to truly understand my situation, offering not only a deep knowledge of the legal system but also genuine care for the outcome of my case. She presented me with multiple options throughout the process, always ensuring that I understood the potential outcomes and implications of each decision. What stood out most was her communication—Ruth kept me informed at every step, especially as the case evolved. She made me feel confident that my best interests were being prioritized. Ruth and her office staff were always professional, responsive, and empathetic, making a difficult process much more manageable. I highly recommend Ruth Goldner to anyone seeking not just legal expertise, but a compassionate advocate during challenging times.
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13 Jan, 2025 by Richard
The moment I met Ruth I felt completely comfortable with her. Our first meeting instilled a confidence that she would be the best person to follow through with taking care of our divorce. As we worked through the process, I continued to admire her professionalism and commitment in doing the best for our situation. I am beyond grateful for the work that she has done and really consider her a friend! Richard
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10 Jan, 2025 by Jill
If you're going through a divorce, do yourself a favor and call Ruth! I can't imagine having survived this without her. Divorce is awful, one of the toughest things I've ever been through, but Ruth made it so much more manageable. She was incredibly kind and patient, always taking the time to answermy questions, no matter how small. And she was amazing at explaining all the complicated legal jargon in plain English. She always got back to me right away, which was a lifesaver when I was feeling anxious. But the best thing about Ruth? It was just... her! She was fun to talk to and made me laugh a LOT! It always felt like she was being real with me – like a friend helping me through it, not just some lawyer. Thanks to Ruth, I came out of my divorce with a fair outcome, and I'm feeling good about the future. Oh, and her paralegal, Celina, was fantastic too – so helpful and friendly! If you're looking for a divorce lawyer who's not only brilliant but also a genuinely good person, you won't find anyone better than Ruth. She's the absolute best!
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Randall B. Pitler, experienced Family Law, Mediation attorney in Royal Oak, MI with 54 reviews
Below Average
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24,78
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3.6/5
Avvo
4.8
12 Reviews
Google Maps
3.3
42 Reviews
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19 Nov, 2024 by Ann marie johnson
They did absolutely nothing, then abruptly dropped us leaving us worse off than before
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19 Aug, 2024 by Youssef eweis
My experience with Greenstone Legal Group was excellent and heartwarming. They seemed to have suffered multiple attacks after I started reacting to Capital One's [not known for hiring the best people] harassment campaign. The conflict with Capital One was published on December 31st, 2023. Also on that day, it seemed like the entire past of the US Army had possessed my spirit to chant the best possible cadence my lungs could muster. It's funny how there was a Green Beret on the bus as I joked about calling Capital One and threatening them for abusing their late payment fees immediately after I signed my contract.
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14 Aug, 2024 by David slatten
Please, if you read this-and many other- review stating that Greenstone is terrible and not to get involved, BELIEVE THEM!!! Greenstone Legal Group is nothing but a scam, 100%. Yo make a long story short, we entered into an agreement with them to help negotiate some debt settlement and after 15 months of paying into the program…..nothing. We received several offers to settle or debt from the creditors which we promptly turned over to Greenstone only to have them do nothing. Then we received a summons from court after discovering that one of the creditors was suing us. We turned that promptly over to them also. Their whole spiel is that they are there to protect you from collection efforts while trying to negotiate settlements. Well they failed. Just recently we received a letter from the court stating that the creditor had won their case against us for “failure to contact the court or respond to the summons”. So basically, Greenstone did nothing! They keep about half the money that you send as “payment for services rendered” however, it is plain to see that they don’t actually render anything but lies. We have since canceled our agreement with them. We did get some money back but only about half of what we put in. And we negotiated directly with the creditors and had deals to pay half the original debt in one day. Wonder why Greenstone couldn’t have done that. I implore you to stay far far away from this group. They will tell you nothing but lies and rob you of your money.
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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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