Marx, Altman & Johnson

For individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex seeking legal assistance in family law matters, Marx, Altman & Johnson presents itself as an option within the "Lawyers Near Me" category. Located at 6060 N Central Expy Suite 560, Dallas, TX 75206, USA, and reachable by phone at (214) 800-2848, this firm has devoted its practice solely to divorce and family law since its establishment in 1992. Their stated aim is to help clients navigate the difficult legal process of divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible, striving for agreeable solutions.

The firm emphasizes its extensive experience, claiming to have resolved over 10,000 cases in family law, including agreed divorces, litigation, and contested divorces. This volume of cases, coupled with over 30 years of practicing family law exclusively, suggests a deep familiarity with the intricacies of the Texas legal system as it pertains to divorce and family matters. The firm highlights that their attorneys possess a combined total of over 100 years of experience, indicating a considerable depth of knowledge within their specialized field.

Marx, Altman & Johnson offers a range of services within family law, covering crucial aspects of divorce and its aftermath:

• Contested Divorce: For situations where spouses have disagreements regarding property distribution, child custody, spousal support, or child support, the firm is prepared to handle negotiations, mediation, and provide support during final trials. They aim to protect clients' rights throughout the process.
• Agreed Divorce: For couples who can agree on the terms of their divorce, the firm offers a streamlined process designed to be quick and affordable.
• Child Custody: Recognizing the importance of children's well-being, the firm assists clients in crafting clear and fair child custody agreements, aiming to put children's needs first and secure arrangements that are in their best interests. This includes handling complex child custody specific issues.
• Child Support: They provide assistance in creating child support plans that comply with Texas law, ensuring children's comfortable living arrangements post-divorce.
• Fathers' Rights: The firm explicitly represents fathers in child custody and support cases, acknowledging and fighting for their equal rights and responsibilities under Texas law, particularly when fathers feel their interests are overlooked.

The firm's promotional information prominently features several key aspects. They offer "Affordable. Flat Fees." and "Payment Plans," aiming to make legal representation accessible to a broader range of clients. They also provide "Free Consultations," allowing prospective clients to discuss their situation without an initial financial commitment. Furthermore, they advertise "Free Phone Calls," indicating a policy that contrasts with many firms that charge in increments for client communication, a feature designed to encourage open dialogue without incurring additional costs.

However, client experiences with Marx, Altman & Johnson, as reflected in available reviews, present a mixed picture regarding the environment and client service features. Some positive reviews praise the firm for being professional, affordable, and for getting the job done efficiently, especially in uncontested cases. Clients have expressed satisfaction with outcomes, mentioning that the firm "did what they said they would" and helped them achieve a quick and easy divorce, sometimes even securing favorable property outcomes like keeping the house. One client specifically commended J.R. O'Brien, an attorney at the firm, for being professional, knowledgeable, and for fighting effectively in court, even when the client was initially skeptical.

Conversely, other reviews express significant concerns about the firm's client communication and the level of personalized attention, particularly once a case moves beyond the initial consultation. One detailed review recounts a deeply negative experience, alleging that after an impressive initial consultation with a principal attorney, the case was handed off to an "overworked and at worst, questionably competent" attorney. This client reported "abysmal" communication, difficulty in getting scheduled appointments honored, and a feeling that the representing attorney did not consider assurances made during the initial consultation. The review also describes minimal engagement during courthouse appearances, which left the client feeling that negotiations were not properly initiated. A common complaint across negative feedback points to a lack of communication after fees are paid, with clients reporting difficulty in reaching their assigned attorney or receiving updates.

Another negative review highlights an issue with scheduling, where a client was given an appointment time, only to be informed upon arrival that the firm does not take appointments after a certain hour, leading to an "unethical" waste of time and inconvenience. This suggests potential inconsistencies in administrative processes or client scheduling protocols.

These contrasting views suggest that while Marx, Altman & Johnson may offer efficient and affordable services for straightforward, uncontested divorce cases, and some clients have positive experiences with specific attorneys, potential clients with complex or highly contested matters should carefully consider the implications of the feedback concerning communication and attorney allocation. The firm's model, as implied by some reviews, may be better suited for high-volume processing of simpler cases.

In summary, for local users in the Dallas-Fort Worth area searching for "Lawyers Near Me" specializing in divorce and family law, Marx, Altman & Johnson promotes itself as an experienced and affordable option with a focus on flat fees and payment plans. Their services cover a wide range of family law issues, from uncontested divorces to complex child custody and property disputes. While the firm has a long history and numerous resolved cases, prospective clients are advised to weigh the firm's stated features, such as free consultations and free phone calls, against varied client feedback concerning communication and personalized attention, especially if their case is anticipated to be highly complex or contested. Understanding the firm's operational model and ensuring it aligns with individual needs and expectations for attorney engagement will be crucial for a satisfactory experience.