Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Excellent listener and treated clients with respect
“She is an excellent listener and treated me with such respect throughout the entire process.”
2
Able to get the best possible outcome for clients
“She got me the best result possible and was great to work with.”
3
Empathetic and genuinely concerned for clients' situations
“She was very empathetic and showed genuine concern for my situation.”
4
Effectively communicated with clients through email and answered questions quickly
“I often communicated with her and her staff through email and had all of my questions answered quickly, (and I had a lot of questions).”
5
Helped correct mistakes made by previous attorneys and achieved favorable outcomes
“They were not only able to correct some of the missteps committed by my former attorney but actually got me out of a marriage far beyond my expectations!”
Cons
1
Ignored client questions and failed to correctly update financial documents, resulting in hardship
“My questions to her were routinely ignored, my financial affidavit was not correctly updated resulting in an award of temporary alimony that I could not afford causing a hardship on my dependent son and father.”
2
Lacked expertise in military pensions and disability matters related to divorce
“She claimed to be well versed in military pensions and disability matters as they pertain to divorce this is not true, she nor her staff had any idea of these matters.”
3
Took advantage of clients and quit cases without returning unused retainer fees
“She took advantage of me and then quit my case without returning any portion of my whopping retainer.”
4
Poor time management skills and failure to follow through on promised actions
“This case went on forever and nothing was ever done. We never attended any type of hearing, etc. Before you knew it the retainer was gone, and there was no resolution.”
5
Inability to achieve positive results, resulting in clients having to hire another attorney
“Nope, had to pay her fees as well as those of my former spouse. $12,000 paid with no results. Avoid her at all costs.”

All reviews

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08 Nov, 2022 by Leighann
I hired Mrs. Coleman for a divorce case, and she was fantastic. I often communicated with her and her staff through email and had all of my questions answered quickly, ( and I had alot of questions). We met to prepare for my mediation and got the best outcome. She put my mind at ease and made this difficult situation much easier. So thankful for her.
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08 Mar, 2022 by Steven
I hired Laura for a contested divorce proceeding. I paid her over 10k to represent minterests. My questions to her were routinely ignored, my financial affidavit was not correctly updated resulting in an award of temporary alimony that I could not afford causing a hardship on my dependent son and father. She claimed to be well versed in military pensions and disability matters as they pertain to divorce this is not true, she nor her staff had any idea of these matters. She took advantage of me and then quit my case without returning any portion of my whopping retainer. She is not trustworthy and should absolutely be avoided.
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18 Nov, 2020 by Chris
Laura took my divorce case after another lawyer bungled it. Thank God I found Laura and her team! They were not only able to correct some of the missteps committed by my former attorney but actually got me out of a marriage far beyond my expectations! So very happy with the job that Laura, Kelly and Stephanie did for me! I would recommend this Law firm to anyone and EVERYONE! They are the best!
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12 May, 2015 by Brianne
Laura Spencer Coleman is an excellent attorney. She was able to win my case because she really cared and listened to me during our conversations. She was very empathetic and showed genuine concern for my situation.
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09 Apr, 2015 by Desda
I was so thrilled with Laura Coleman's handling of my case. She got me the best result possible and was great to work with. She is an excellent listener and treated me with such respect throughout the entire process.
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Best lawyers in Milton, FL

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16 May, 2016 by Anonymous
Mr. Stokes is excellent in letting his clients be fully informed of all proceedings. I have several hundred email threads from Mr. Stokes personally, not just his secretary. He is very sensitive to the needs of his clients and routinely gives out his personal cell phone number once rapport has been established. The countless hours he has put in to my (criminal defense) case most likely exceed the initial fee I was charged, which was exceptionally reasonable. He has become a mentor as well as an attorney and I cannot express my gratitude enough.
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07 Aug, 2023 by Mary
If you are searching for a knowledgeable attorney who is versed in estate planning, elder law and probate, look no further. Christine O’Neil is a must to have in your corner if you need legal advice in dealing with any kind of estate issues. I live in Oklahoma and have a dear friend in Pensacola, FL that I was trying to help during a recent health crisis. My friend’s sister had recently passed away and she had no other family member to assist her. Living alone she reached out to me. Having known my friend for over 40 years it became my duty and responsibility to assist her with health and end of life decisions. I knew it would be a challenge living almost 1000 miles apart, so I began the search for a local attorney in Pensacola with experience, skills and above all, compassion to help manage this process. My first assignment was to review and get my friends affairs in order. That’s when Christine O’Neil stepped in with the legal knowledge to assist in preparing the legal documents required to designate myself her legal power of attorney to manage the day-to-day affairs plus make all the medical decisions required later on. My friend was mentally sharp however her body was failing, and she was in a rehab facility at the time. After our discussion Christine reached out to her and went over everything, answering her questions and making sure she understood. Once the documents were ready, Christine personally went to the rehab facility to execute the documents, left copies with the facility, and sent me the originals. Christine is professional and has a compassionate, caring way about her that is needed and appreciated during such stressful circumstances. She listens, explains thoroughly each document, and always asked if I had any questions. She responds in a timely manner to emails and always called me back if she wasn’t available when I called. Finding Christine was the BEST thing for me in helping my friend. I highly recommend her!
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09 Feb, 2023 by Don
Putting an estate plan together is one of those things that we all tend to procrastinate. My late wife and I often talked about it, went to a few seminars attorneys put on, but never got around to actually doing it. When my wife died suddenly I realized very quickly that I needed an estate plan as the last thing you want is to die intestate and have the courts determine who gets what. Everyone's circumstances are different but having control over what you want is paramount. But where do you find a competent attorney to do this? Generally I prefer personal referrals but no one I knew was any help. Fortunately I was lucky. I did an internet search, if they had a website I checked what information was provided and checked out their credentials. This is how I found Christine O'Neil. Not only are her credentials impeccable but she is blessed with an abundance of patience and compassion. She offers a free consultation and answered questions I didn't even know I had, plus she swiftly answered lots and lots of e-mails as I would think of something else. Basically I was still in shock from my wife passing but she made everything easy for me. She put together a last will and testament, a living will, a durable power of attorney, a designation of health care surrogate and completed and filed an enhanced life estate deed that is a huge bonus of living in Florida. Some websites and software that will not be named will tell you that this is easy and you can do them yourself. One tiny mistake and your plan can go up in smoke. That's why you want a professional with the experience not to make mistakes that you wouldn't know about until it's too late. Especially if you're the surviving spouse you want everything air tight. [redacted] Don
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03 Apr, 2021 by Anonymous
Christine O'Neil was a wonderful help with writing our estate planning. The experience could not have been better. She explained every detail and guided us through every step of the process. She is very professional and yet personable. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing this service.
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star star star star star
28 Mar, 2024 by Krystal
I could not be more satisfied with Cheryl! She is def a fighter and gets what she wants.
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Milton, Florida?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
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