Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
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Pros
1
Excellent legal expertise and service
“Stephen Maloney was tremendously helpful, knowledgeable, insightful, and responsive.”
2
Attentive and personalized client care
“An excellent listener who did a fantastic job representing our interests.”
3
Friendly and approachable staff
“Very professional, helpful, and explained everything very thoroughly, they take the time!”
4
Efficient and timely in handling matters
“Got done what we needed and back out pretty quickly.”
5
Strong reputation and client satisfaction
“I highly recommend Stephen and the firm!”
Cons
1
Inconsistent quality of service
“This office helped me purchase a home & offered to do a free "Will" for me but the employee that assisted me was very difficult to work with & was reluctant to set up an appointment with the attorney.”
2
Concerns about billing practices
“$200 per hour just to TALK with an attorney, before he ever accepts my case??? Nope. Don't think so.”

All reviews

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15 Sep, 2024 by P kelly
Kayla helped me with my will and was very patient and listened to all my concerns about family issues. She is very honest and also helped me set up a trust for my pets. I highly recommend her.
star star star star star
14 Aug, 2024 by Mud puppy
Kayla has been an incredible asset to my wife and I. She helped me win my military disability case and was very attentive to our needs when drawing up our wills.
star star star star star
09 Aug, 2024 by Howard n.
This office helped me purchase a home & offered to do a free "Will" for me but the employee that assisted me was very difficult to work with & was reluctant to set up an appointment with the attorney so I passed on the free "Will" . Recently I called this office back to go over some V.A. Paperwork & discuss a Living Trust & got that same employee that was reluctant to set me up with an attorney but thought she had a better idea of what I needed . Again I decided to pass on using this office for legal advice . I wonder how many clients this employee has chased off because of her unprofessional assistance.
star star star star star
09 Mar, 2024 by Deetta hunter
star star star star star
09 Feb, 2024 by Jeff bishop
Hood people, very helpful.
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Best lawyers in Wauseon, OH

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star star star star star
13 Jul, 2023 by Lois l warren roberts
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star star star star star
20 Jan, 2022 by Margaret
Nathan went above and beyond with information and forms we needed for our probate questions/concerns. I was very impressed and would recommend him for your legal help needs.
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star star star star star
10 Jun, 2019 by Darrell
Mr. VanDenBerghe researched fiscal liability for me as it pertains to a group I am involved with. His research gave me the answers I needed and he did so in a timely fashion.
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star star star star star
08 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
Nathan VanDenBerghe did a great job for us with a real estate transfer. He was prompt, thorough, courteous, professional, and very conscientious. We plan to hire him again for future legal needs and highly recommend him.
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star star star star star
11 Jul, 2024 by Brittany prielipp
Called to inquire about divorce services and was treated very rudely by one of the women working here. After dealing with the horrible attitude of this employee I will not be going here for help for my divorce. Maybe if you have tough skin and can handle someone talking down to you this is the place for you.
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star star star star star
29 Feb, 2024 by Harold bailey
Google Maps
star star star star star
29 Oct, 2022 by Lori frederick
Made you feel very comfortable. Took care of all Our needs.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

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 Wauseon, Ohio?

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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