Kristin Rey Valdivia, experienced Family Law attorney in Crown Point, IN with 54 reviews
Lawyer credibility
rating system
LCRS
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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.
Below Average 24,57
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Kristin Rey Valdivia

1401 E Greenwood Ave Ste 300, Crown Point, IN

Practices

star star star star star
4.1 / 5
Google Maps
4.1
info
Google reviews rating
54 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Education

N/A:
Valparaiso University School of Law, JD
N/A:
Purdue University, MA

Last reviews

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Overall rating
star
star star star star star
4.1 54 reviews
Google Maps 4.1

Tom doan

star star star star star
14 Feb, 2025
I was in a real bind but attorney Andrew Martin came thru for me, he’s very knowledgeable, professional, and responds and gets the job done fast. Highly recommend him.
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Araeh green

star star star star star
18 Aug, 2024
Google Maps

Nicholas gaik

star star star star star
17 Jul, 2024
My hat is off to Attorney Andrew Martin. Going through a divorce wasn’t easy but Andy definitely helped make me feel better about the whole process and made me feel very comfortable with the choice I had to make to get the ball rolling…which was hiring a attorney to defend me along the way. Not only did he walk me through everything step by step and gave me all the possible scenario’s I might be up against, he handled everything vigorously and extremely professionally. This gentleman is very well spoken. His confidence and knowledge of law made me feel at ease and kept my stress to a minimum and spirit lifted. I highly recommend you consider Andrew Martin to represent you, I’m really glad I did. Thank you so much Andy!!!
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
The lawyer is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and effective in complex legal cases such as divorce, child custody, and estate matters
“Andrew Martin is my attorney and he's a vicious bull in a suit. Which is exactly what you want when it comes to protecting your rights. He knows the laws back and forth, has case history built into a file room in his brain, and understands the judges personality from years of working with them.”
2
The lawyer provides prompt and responsive communication, ensuring clients are well-informed throughout the process
“Andrew Martin was very professional. Definitely recommend them.”
3
The lawyer and his team are described as caring, compassionate, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients
“Andrew Martin has been my go-to attorney for nearly 7 years. He displays great communication for any and all questions, is very quick to respond, and is overall on top of his game. He does anything he can to get you the best possible outcome.”
Cons
1
There are a few instances where clients felt the lawyer failed to properly represent their interests or handle their cases as expected
“Andrew Martin was the worst lawyer in the history of lawyers I paid this so called Lawyer 3000$ one lump sum almost my whole tax return at the time to represent me and my daughter born out of wedlock.”
2
Some clients expressed concerns about high legal fees and a lack of transparency regarding costs and billing
“Stay away from this law firm!! Don't hire Mr Hess for any of your family courts needs. This man charges 325 dollars an hour, the most expensive lawyer in lake county.”

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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 Crown Point, Indiana?

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:
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  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
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  • Professional Memberships:
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  • 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:
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  • List of Questions:
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  • Financial Information:
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  • Contact Information:
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  • Personal Identification:
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  • 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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