Michael Van Ardoin, experienced Business, Criminal Defense attorney in Lafayette, LA with 67 reviews
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Average 30,83
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Michael Van Ardoin

321 West Main St., Suite 1B, Lafayette, LA

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4.6 / 5
Google Maps
4.6
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Google reviews rating
67 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

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Overall rating
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4.6 67 reviews
Google Maps 4.6

Susie m

star star star star star
08 Nov, 2024
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Xchrisx84x

star star star star star
31 Oct, 2024
Taylor Fontenot represented me 2 years ago in custody case and made something happen from a situation that seemed pretty Grimm. 2 years later I had to return to court with a win from the help of Taylor Fontenot and his partner Logan Istre.
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Pelloquin chiropractic wellness center

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30 Aug, 2024
Laura is an amazing family law attorney! Her paralegal, Monique, is just as experienced with family law matters particularly with the 15th JDC in Lafayette. Together, they bring a high level of legal expertise paired with compassion and care to all of their clients. They will respond to you in the most timely fashion and keep your case moving forward with constant communication both by phone calls and emails. My only regret is not knowing to hire Laura Davenport in the beginning of my divorce case. I love and appreciate you both for your support through such a difficult time in my families’ lives!
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Top review highlights

Pros
1
Highly experienced and knowledgeable in family law, particularly custody and divorce cases
“Laura is an amazing family law attorney! Her paralegal, Monique, is just as experienced with family law matters particularly with the 15th JDC in Lafayette.”
2
Provides personalized and compassionate service, treating clients like family
“It did not feel like going with a big company to where you feel like you're just another pay check to them. He was very understanding and definitely worth it.”
3
Promptly responds to client inquiries and keeps them informed throughout the process
“Every phone call and email was returned promptly and he was very helpful throughout the entire process.”
4
Achieves favorable outcomes for clients, even in complex or long-standing cases
“Taylor took time to get to know my fiancée and I and the whole situation. He was very helpful throughout the entire process.”
5
Offers reasonable and transparent pricing for their services
“Compared to other lawyers in the area, I personally found him to be very affordable.”
Cons
1
Receptionist may be hesitant to provide information about the attorney's qualifications and experience
“Receptionist reiterated her previous comments. I asked why she was being difficult by not providing requested information.”
2
Some clients have expressed dissatisfaction with the attorney's effort and attention to their case
“Overpriced don't fight for you at all and forgets to turn in paperwork to the courts.”

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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.
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  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
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  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
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  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

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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.

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

  • Verify Their License:
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  • 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:
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    • Financial records (if applicable)
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  • Written Summary:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
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