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12 Nov, 2009 by Anonymous
Michelle truely has her clients best interests at heart. Her professional demeanor, enveloped in care and consideration, allows for clear navigation through difficult conversations and life decisions. Michelle graciously walked us through the legal processes ensuring all of our questions were addressed and understood; meeting our needs on both a professional and humanitarian level.
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28 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
I worked with Michelle both when purchasing my home, as well as having her handle my premarital agreement. In both issues, she was thorough and professional. She came up with several issues/solutions which looked out for my best interests, while keeping costs reasonable. She was easy to contact and a pleasure to work with.
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28 Oct, 2009 by Anonymous
All we can say is that you can never go wrong by having M.TL. Hernandez handle your legal work. Thank you! Respectfully

Best lawyers in Middleton, WI

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24 Jul, 2019 by Willis
My experience with Stephanie Schmitt has been very positive. I had her firm prepare an estate plan 15 years ago and I contacted her to request a review and update of the earlier document. I can only make positive comments about her. She was fully aware of my needs, listened carefully to my questions, provided answers that were relevant and understandable. She has a pleasant manner and a thorough understanding of estate planning for an older client. In all respects she provide excellent service. I would recommend her highly for anyone requiring estate planning assistance.
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18 Jul, 2019 by Janice
Stephanie helped me with the estates of my sister and mother in the past two years. She was available as needed, knew exactly what was needed at each juncture in the process, and was practical and efficient in getting it done.
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11 Nov, 2011 by David
Erica was the only one willing to help me. My original lawyer was as worthless as tits on a bore hog. The second one I talked to pretty much never responded to following ups and the third said I didn't have a chance. Erica listened to my situation and didn't make any promises but was willing to help me. She got more done in a couple of months than the others over years. The most important thing to me was that I believe she was genuinely on my side. Wish I would have found her in the first place. It's great not having to pay alimony anymore to someone who hates you and makes a descent income and lives with her boyfriend. Some guys get what they deserve but a lot don't and in this state, men are definitely starting out on the losing side. Thanks to people like Erica, we might stand a chance for a fair hearing.
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18 Feb, 2010 by Anonymous
When my ex-wife petitioned for sole placement, I was terrified that I wouldn’t experience all the joys of being a father – coaching my kid’s baseball team, going camping and fishing. But Erica was there for me. She not only made me feel like I had a right to be with my kids, but she got the court to respect those rights too. When my ex “didn’t feel” like dropping off the kids for the weekend even though we had agreed that the weekend was my time with them, Erica took my frantic phone call, after 5:00 on a Friday! She got a hold of my ex’s attorney and somehow convinced them to let me see my sons. I now have 50/50 placement and my two sons and I are going ice-fishing this weekend. I would recommend Erica to any father trying to deal with a difficult ex!
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02 Jan, 2017 by James
I had a business in Illinois and sold it. The contract was a pay back over 15 years. The buyer filled Bankruptcy with an outstanding balance due to me. I retired after the sale and moved to Northwestern Wisconsin. I tried to find a lawyer to help me with no luck in Illinois or were not interested. I found by luck, Jeffery P. Phillips with Fuhrman & Dodge, S.C. in Middleton Wisconsin. I talked to Mr. Phillips and explained my problem, sent him some info an he said he woud get back to me within a few days. He called me back and said he would be my Attorney within about five (5) months my case was settled and I was happy with the outcome. Mr. Phillips is a very detailed, thoughtful and hard working Attorney whom I would recommend to all who need an excellent Attorney. I
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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 Middleton, Wisconsin?

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:
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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:
    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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