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07 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
After 42 years of marriage, I was presented with divorce papers. Shelly and her team made this as "comfortable" as they could to make the process easier. Each seemed genuinely concerned and supportive. Shelly was very responsive to my questions and provided much comfort to me in this difficult time.
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14 Sep, 2018 by Michael
Shelly McKeon (along with Jessica Kern) handled my divorce and the bottom line is she protected my interests and ensured I got a fair settlement. Although my ex and her attorney made the whole thing as difficult and expensive as it could be, Shelly made sure that I was well aware of what was to come, kept me informed and involved, and took every step needed to ensure that I was not steamrolled. Shelly knew the law of course, but was also familiar with the other attorneys and court personnel and explained to me what their likely actions would be (and she was spot on). I ended up much better off than I thought would be possible. I am so glad to have had Shelly on my side!
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21 May, 2018 by Anonymous
An expert attorney who provided the proper guidance and direction in my case. She always remained calm, professional and was very assertive in addressing key issues. Her advice was invaluable.
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15 May, 2018 by Karen
Ms. McKeon was with me every step of the way-from the time I walked into her door until the case was finalized. She provided great advice as we went through each part of the divorce. She remembered my case and I never once had to remind her of who I was or where my case was in the process. Not only is she a fantastic attorney, she is a warm human being.
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07 May, 2018 by David
I had one of those horrible divorces you read about.....and things settled down until I moved up to MD to be closer to my kids from VA....then the ex( a family attorney herself) decieded to litigate settled issues again.......Shelly did a marvelous job and although we had to go through a two day trial....at the end of it all she got the case dismissed because the ex- did not meet the burden of proof to warrant a modification.......
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22 Feb, 2021 by Anonymous
There are good, bad, and mediocre people in every occupation, including lawyers/attorneys. If you are lucky, you might find someone who is spectacular. Gerald Gimmel is spectacular. Mr. Gimmel is honest and knowledgeable not only of current laws but also of pending laws that may affect you. He doesn't merely fill in the blanks of standardized forms with whatever you want to include, collect his fee, and fade out of your life. He advises on which documents are appropriate for YOUR specific circumstances, and warns you if you are seeking to include statements in your will that are legally not appropriate. The latter apparently happens too often. After paperwork is signed and fees are collected, Mr. Gimmel continues to be available for quick advice on related matters. He recently guided me around legal quagmires as I assisted a dying relative. Gerald Gimmel provides a level of service I've never seen or heard of for any other estate attorney.
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07 May, 2023 by Anonymous
Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Renehan handled my case very professionally, responsively, and with great knowledge. My case was unique as I needed to transfer custody from another state to Maryland, which required a thorough modification. Having both of them made me feel safe and heard. They were always on top of my needs, meeting deadlines, and, best of all, they were there for me. They had the best interests not just for me as their client, but also for my child. They were very passionate about what they do. Lastly, their extensive experience in Family Law is what makes them a powerhouse in helping me achieve the custody agreement that I have wanted.
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24 Feb, 2024 by Steve
After my wife and I got married this summer, we needed to get a new estate plan in place. I found Lindsey of Avedisian Law, and I couldn't have been happier. She was wonderful to work with, and she listened to our needs, while at the same time pointing out other things to think about and potential problems with things that we were thinking of doing. In the end, we drew up a complete estate plan to cover each other and our children as well. She even came to our house to sign all the documents and help us get all of the beneficiary changes made so we were sure we had the proper wording. We were extremely happy working with Lindsey, and we would recommend her to anyone looking for an estate attorney.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Dan
Awesome job. Very professional and well organized. Would not hesitate to recommend and will use again for any estate planning needs.
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23 Oct, 2023 by Libby
We had the most wonderful experience working with Avedisian Law to do our family's estate planning. Lindsey made the process so smooth from start to finish. She accommodated multiple changes and explained this complicated process very clearly and thoroughly to two people with no legal knowledge. We really felt fully supported through the process and are so thankful that we worked with such a smart and caring person. Working with Lindsey was like working with family! I cannot recommend Avedisian Law enough.
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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?
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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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  8. Do you have references from past clients?
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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.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Gaithersburg, Maryland?

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.
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  • Ask for References:
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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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  • 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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