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20 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Anne for my divorce. She helped me straighten out some basics after my ex claimed I abandoned him with a signed, notarized agreement in hand before I walked out. She made the divorce process as quick and painless as his foot dragging would allow and helped me solidify the modest concessions I asked for with ease. When it came to a nasty 4 year custody battle, I didn't think I could afford her and I worked with another attorney who made a complete mess of my case and lost some things I will never be able to reverse. After a significant loss, I decided I would do whatever it took and reached out to Anne again. She was amazing from our first conversation. She listened where the other attorney dismissed. She never blamed me or questioned my motives or actions with judgment, but from a genuine desire to understand so she could help the way I wanted and needed (within the confines of the law, obviously). She set realistic expectations without being a downer and she has always been easy to talk to when needed or quick to have someone on her team respond. She's an adept negotiator that never made me feel like I was giving miles for inches (like with the previous attorney). Anne doesn't victim blame or shame and never put herself on a pedestal where I thought she had no idea what I was thinking, feeling, or going through. She never ignored me before trials, always sitting with and talking with me beforehand. She helped me feel prepared and well equipped and didn't hesitate to highlight what I was already doing well while gently providing guidance where I needed to strengthen my case. She is thorough in her research, level headed in her approach, and adept at redirecting, particularly if you're up against someone who likes to fight with character assassination as opposed to merits of the case. Anne is amazing and I would highly recommend her, particularly for anyone with divorce and family issues. She really helped turn things back around after my previous attorney cost almost double and made a mess we will have to work long and hard to recover from. I felt like she was on my side without being blindly loyal to me so that she could remain objective AND supportive in a way that no previous attorney had. I really felt like I had a champion who wanted what I wanted just as badly as I wanted it!

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24 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
Ms. Blessing was recommended by a friend. Upon speaking with her and a mediator, our divorce was settled with both parties happy, and processed within two weeks. She took extreme care to ensure that it did not become contentious, and was very thorough in her explanations of the processes. We walked away from it with minimal fallout and mostly amicable. I would definitely recommend her to anyone that needs an amazing attorney.
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09 May, 2024 by Angela
I enjoyed working with Kelly for my divorce, and I can't say enough good things. She knows her stuff inside and out, but what really stood out was her kindness and support throughout the whole process. Kelly took the time to understand my situation, gave me great advice, and ensured I felt heard every step. If you're looking for a divorce attorney who's not only top-notch but also genuinely caring, look no further than Kelly Blessing. Highly recommend!
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04 Apr, 2024 by Raven
Such an easy process, she was very kind and patient with us. Highly recommend to anyone who needs her services.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Emma
Mr. Pugh was our custody/visitation lawyer. He knows his stuff inside and out and after working with him, if we needed to hire an attorney again, we would have zero hesitation hiring him again. We had swapped from another attorney, also known in the area, to try a chance with Mr. Pugh after using the services of his partner, Mr. Karpov (who's equally impressive), and it was the best decision we could have made. Our previous lawyer was very hesitant and submissive in their advice to us each time an issue occurred which was frustrating. In contrary, Mr. Pugh was straight to the point and confident while seamlessly rolling with the punches in action. He advised us realistically and in a style that matched my husband's needs and made us feel secure walking into the court. Mr. Pugh won our case, allowing our family to move on from stressful times in a fair but satisfactory manner.
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16 Sep, 2019 by Brutus
Greg Pugh is one of those old school lawyers who doesn't have to pay to be at the top of a website. If you understand anything about the legal industry you understand what I am talking about, I unfortunately went through a rough patch in life and got arrested for DUI two times within a year. The first lawyer I hired had a hundred 5 star reviews, I paid $5000 for my first DUI... BIG mistake I was sold and thought I had to of been hiring the best because the price and the reviews. NO I would of got the same deal had I used a public defender... it was an expensive learning lesson however after that painful experience I took the advice of someone who referred Mr. Pugh. Mr. Pugh did not sell me and tell me he was going to hold my hand like the previous attorney. I went on the fact he has been practicing for over 30 years, I was nervous because I was at risk of losing my career in the military and facing serious jail time. I respected his resume and prayed I wasn't going to get results I got from the first lawyer I hired. Well case was dismissed and I was charged 1800.00 ... I will never recommend anyone else and I am happy that there are still good people in this world that are not just trying to make a quick dollar and pretend to care about my military career and future. Thank you again Mr. Pugh
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16 Dec, 2016 by Steve
Greg has been our lawyer for 12 years and in that he has handled lawsuits for two family members against insurance companies and won. He has gone up against the DOD and won. Additionally he has handled wills and other family matters. Big or small Greg gives common sense affordable recommendations.
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15 Dec, 2016 by Terry
Mr. Klein did a wonderful job for my family. He handled a personal injury case for us in a very professional manner. We were shown compassion and respect during a difficult time. I can't thank him enough for all of the assistance he gave us in getting everything settled as quickly as he was able.
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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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?

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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