Tuohy Minor Kruse PLLC

I have never written a review before, but I felt compelled to do so now because of how well Melanie represented me during the worst time of my life. Melanie starts by meeting with you and laying out different options and strategies that you can pursue . She was very honest about what you could expect throughout your time with her. Watching Melanie litigate on your behalf in the courtroom is truly something special. She's very fierce in her arguments but gentle in how it comes across. On more than one occasion, lawyers from different firms asked for her advice. She is highly respected by her colleagues and the courts. The bottom line is that Melanie will work tirelessly and effectively for you.

Melanie is THE lawyer you want. She saved me from a pretty big hole I dug myself by being in denial at my divorce was going to happen. She had brilliant strategies and never let me get sucked into the narrative by the other side. I ended up with a rather favorable settlement and it's 100% to Melanie's credit. She will not steer you wrong. Thank you, Melanie for all your hard work.

I met Renee a few years back as I started my divorce. From the first minute I knew she was the right lawyer for me. She listened, was caring, compassionate, diligent, knowledgeable and I knew she would be a strong advocate for me. At times when I wanted to give up, she was there to support me and guide me through this difficult process. Quitting is not in her vocabulary and Renee made sure that my outcome was fair and equitable. When I used Renee to set up my Will, I received her great attention to detail to ensure my financial planning was complete. Renee was always there for me with my best interest a priority.

I have worked with three of the attorneys (Melanie, Deane, and Tina) on a non parental custody case, an adoption case, estate planning, and settling an estate. This team is so professional, committed, and well-respected. It is so important to go into court with an attorney that the commissioners and judges know and trust. I've seen first hand the difference in how the court views your case with run of the mill counsel. I never imagined when we started working with them that their whole team would show up at court for our adoption trial. It shows personal and professional dedication that I believe is a rare commodity. I cannot recommend them enough.

SUMMARY I found myself in the unenviable position of needing to hire the services of a family lawyer, and Renee DeFreece at Tuohy Minor Kruse was recommended to me by a friend. I got fantastic service from her and her support team. I would very highly recommend her. SPECIFICS My spouse had kicked me out of our house and would only allow me to have four hours per week with our two daughters in a "supervised" setting. This was not, strictly speaking, legal, but I was told it was not actionable without a "parenting plan" in place. Having been an at-home dad for nearly ten years, this was emotionally devastating to me. Renee handled my case with care and respect, and I got the parenting plan I asked for (primary custody of our girls). RECOMMENDATIONS I have a graduate-school education, which means I know enough to appreciate Renee's skill. First, she could identify and understand that I was in a lot of emotional pain, and I had only so much "bandwidth" to deal with things. I did not need to know the gory details, just what was relevant. This helped me a lot. Second, I have a little experience with written rhetoric and argumentation, and it is enough for me to see that Renee is very skilled with that. She took the information and documentation I provided her with and was able to identify the best approach. That meant she could edit the legal declaration I wrote to give it as much brevity and impact as possible within the parameters of the court filing, and identify the most important material to use (there are limits on how much you can submit in some cases). Renee was clear that she was giving me the "driver's seat" if and when I wanted it. What I would recommend to anyone who hires her is to pay very close attention to her recommendations. She will do what you want regardless if she thinks it is in your best interest. I am confident I got the result I wanted precisely because I deferred to her expert advice, and I was humble enough not to think I might know better than her. I was able to see later why she recommended we proceed in certain ways, and it was crystal clear she knew what she was doing all along. I am so very glad I listened to her advice and followed it. To have my girls restored to me means more than words can express. CONCLUSION I can't recommend Renee highly enough. Listen to her expert advice and do it.