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22 Jan, 2024 by Anonymous
Stuart was great and to the point - introductory call was very productive, and he acted quickly and intelligently to the matter at hand. Yet, since that, his associate, Mabel, took the lead, while being highly incapable of handling complex situations. Seems like she knows how to fit issues into simple boxes she already knows how to handle, and is not capable of any level of tactical or strategic thinking. With that inside the box thinking, Mable is great at breaking down her tasks to the smallest levels, take the time to note each one, and charge you for it. This way, the bill gets inflated to at least twice of what it should have been. And yes, as of 2023, you pay $500 and hour for either Stuart or Mabel. Meaning you pay at a great lawyer rate, and get below average associate.
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15 Dec, 2020 by Denise glover
30 Mar, 2019 by Rose parscal
Beyond rude to people trying to do the right thing and pay off an debit. They refuse to send you anything via the mail such as receipts or agreements for payment contract but want your debit card info, imagine that. The employee Aaron i spoke with hung up on me when asking how we’d go about sending receipts and placed me on hold about 20 times in our hour long bs conversation. Hopefully I’ll be able to speak to someone perfessional to get this resolved as that’s what I was attempting to do.
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18 Sep, 2017 by Tawna jamison
Very Rude when I am trying to give them money!!!!
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30 Jul, 2024 by Annie
Believe what the review says about rebecca and brian!! They are horrible they deserve no star in 2017 i was referral by another attroney and paid retaining fee and never used them since then! They just take your money and when called to get information the evil rude rebecca would answer for phone with attitude!!! If you want to loose your case, throw away your hard earn money, and have headache from your own lawyer hire this firm! If not run away as fast as you can!!!!! For those whom have bad experience with them come warn others!!!!!
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15 Sep, 2023 by Robert
He just wants to take your money, he never returns calls. His assistant is a rude sociopath. Dont let him represent you. Stay away.
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16 Apr, 2023 by Stephanie
Mr Baron was assigned to my case for a contempt that he never investigated. Dragged out case for 2 years and gave the parent who's been alienating me away from our more time! Never returned my calls, and only called me one day before final hearing
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16 Nov, 2012 by Edward's lover's ex
He was hired by my ex wife to screw me over in my divorce in the 1980s when he was with Jacoby and Myers out of Montgomery Wards department stores. Right up his alley and in my opinion he was always borderline ethical in every filing he did against me. My attorney ripped this guy a new one on multiple occasions as all he could do was subpoena me 9 times in 7 months for contempt of court even after the divorce was final. All were bogus. Nothing stuck but they just kept costing me money to defend myself against all the false accusations. He was financed by my ex's married lover with two big retainer payments to keep harassing me, until the judge put a stop to it. I questioned his ethics the entire process as did my own attorney. He played games to where my ex would agree and sign anything he suggested or wanted her to. This guy cost me over $15K of wasted legal fees back in 1985 because of his games. Today, I view it as a bargain for not having to be with my ex. Today she is a very lonely person and it all has roots with this excuse of a lawyer. .
In these other comments, he clearly has never changed and sounds to be just such a big scumbag as he was then and prays on emotions and is more than willing to take people's hard earned money for himself. I can only say, stay away from this guy. He is real bad news.
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16 Mar, 2012 by Anonymous
I used this attorney as my friend had used him prior. My case was a bit more difficult but nothing that could not be solved. We went to court 3 times in 2010 only for Mr. Bisson to say it was easier for me to close my child support case since I was working and my ex wasn't so I'd probably have to pay him even though I have my child 88% of the time-really? He told me since my CSS case would be closed, I would not be entitled to any child support. As of March of 2012, I hadn't heard from him since October of 2010. You bet I'm sending him a request for the unused portion of my retainer. I had to end up hiring another attorney this year 2012. Don't waste your money.
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09 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
He seems like a nice guy but he sucks as an attorney! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY!!! He is disorganized, out of date (no email contact or cell contact), and does not know how to present a case. I got screwed and it was ALL because of how he failed to handle things properly.
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31 Jan, 2019 by Diana
Filed bankruptcy with him and they filed too soon and screwed us up. Now we owe the IRS more with penalties an interest. His office girl did all the work and he never checked it out to make sure it was correct and now we are messed up with the IRS.
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27 Mar, 2018 by Reece
I hired Mr. Ogilvie to represent me in a family law case and a Civil lawsuit. Basically I ended up representing myself because Mr. Ogilvie didn't take the time. So much so that he allowed the other sides attorney, Mike Darlington, to file fraudulent documents for his client and Mr. Ogilvie signed off on them, obviously because he either never bothered to read them or didn't care or both. He appeared in court for me only long enough to postpone hearings and trial until we finally settled and never had a trial. The settlement was written by me and a different attorney, not Ogilvie and not the opposing sides attorney, Mike Darlington. Mr. Ogilvie is a nice man but I think overwhelmed and perhaps past his prime. I would love my money back but too much trouble to take the time to pursue at this point. I would never hire him again or recommend him to anyone who actually wants an attorney who cares and will work for them. You will be very disappointed with Mr. Ogilvie.
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22 Feb, 2018 by Richard
Mr. Ogilvie did not present any of the evidence that I researched and presented him with. He made no attempt to research any of the evidence on his own eg. wifes earnings. Made no objections did not stand up for me when the judge said she did not believe I couldn't hear. The whole proceding was a kangaroo court in which opposite council presented false "evidence" concerning my income. It goes on and on
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19 Mar, 2024 by Zack
I would like to share some details in regards to an ongoing case that daniel was handling for us. However, due to our complaints of his ineffectiveness. And his paralegals' inability to create professional documents, he decided we were too much of a hassle and could earn easier money somewhere else. If you have hired this firm and they have not delivered on anything that they have said or promised And have continuously just taken money from you. Please reach out to me so we can put a stop to this together. Family court is hard enough. We should have an attorney that is on our side.
Update: I've requested a refund for services because of the lack of work and have been ignored. I filed a bar complaint.
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02 Aug, 2022 by Pamela gonzalez
I strongly recommend that you do research before hiring this firm. I spoke with Catherine Vincent originally and my case was handled by Daniel "Rat" His inexperience has shown throughout my case and I feel like everything is a wreck because of him.
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12 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
She did not serve the other party the required documents. She could not keep the facts of case straight. She did not file the required documents. I would only refer to someone you dislike, maybe your ex.
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28 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired her for my divorce case and child custody case. Not only is incompetent but her paralegal and staff are highly unprofessional. After a year of paying her my hard earned money I find out that she has not submitted any paperwork for spousal support or child support or done anything to make my case move along or in my favor. She never returns calls,emails, or informs you about your case.
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22 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
BEWARE OF HIRING THIS DISHONEST UNWORTHY LAYWER.
PLEASE KEEP LOOKING AND READ THE REVIEWS BEFORE HIRING THEM.. look at Googles, Yep reviews.
This lawyer has her in law firm and she is the only attorney. She will take any and everybody case just to get there money. Once she gets your money, it is very hard to get in contact with this lawyer. She will not return your call, text or e-mail. As for you case she will not see you or talk to you to get information concerning your case. She will tell you to e-mail her your info and she will not read it.. once you go to court she will not give your evident to the judge for proof of your case. She talks rude to her clients and she will have you to sign the form to give to the judge then she will turn in a different form….. I would not write this review if this lawyer did not do as I have written.
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20 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
WARNING: if you're looking for representation for enforcing a restraining order or fighting for your child's well-being be advised to look elsewhere. I payed $3,500 & received services that I could've done myself. I wrote my declaration, provided & itemized my evidence, all she had to do was edit the document & submit it to the court. Yet, my 10 month old daughter & myself no longer have the protection in which we desperately needed, & I'm very disheartened that I entrusted a lawyer who could not communicate well nor follow through with what she claimed. I setup Zoom meetings & she cancelled, showed up to court unprepared/unaware of the critical details of my case, & didn't even submit any of my evidence to substantiate my claims of abuse/child neglect. She even advised I drop my case once we got to court, i went from having a temporary restraining order with full custody, to now having no order & sharing custody with a man I had to runaway from with my child. I've found a new lawyer who's been a lifesaver, & I've filed a complaint about Vonnah to the State Bar of California for malpractice. She intentionally didn't represent me to the best of her ability, & caused me & my daughter more financial distress & burden. After our case, she was unresponsive, didn't provide the documents in which I needed with the Judges orders, & had the nerves to refuse a refund stating she wishes me well. I should've represented myself in all honesty.
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04 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
For starters, she was always weeks late with drafts of our divorce settlement agreement. One of her drafts included the names of someone else’s children! My now ex-husband should have been paid because he did the research and corrections to her extremely shoddy work. I found our later that she did not represent my interests and I lost thousands and thousands of dollars due to her inability to realize that one of my two lucrative jobs has varying levels of income. Do not hire her!
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25 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
Would I recommend this lawyer?? Never. I would never recommend this lawyer, ever. Unless you are a masochist prepared to lose your case while expending ridiculous amounts of money in padded fees, to an over rated attorney. I spent THOUSANDS of dollars to have this attorney turn my case upside down. Literally. Unless you work well with attorney' who are cold as ice & appear to have no compassion for her clients. Nothing like the Carolyn, attorney I interviewed. It was evident she operated from the school of; Clients will pay what you project your image & worth to be. Even false image & worth. I've read former client' reviews not only on this attorney , but Jarvis Krieger & Sullivan on other social media sites, (Yelp, Superpages.com/lbp, AVVO & various legal forums). It's important for potential clients to have this open forum to review when researching as they have the right to know. I felt validated after reading this attorney's & firms' negative reviews especially my exact suspicions and issues. I recall questioning this firm's negative reviews during my consultation meeting only to receive a well prepared and thought out response blaming the client who posted their review and not to pay much attention.
Throughout retaining this attorney, there were EXCESSIVE fees billing even billing fees that were questioned if work had even been performed. This attorney's demeanor & perception was that of someone who is burned out longing to retire soon. This attorney was shockingly unprofessional in how she conducted business and treated me, forgetting I was the client even AFTER signing her retainer & forking out way, way too much money. This attorney used the same consistent tactic the firm she works for; Jarvis Krieger & Sullivan's; asking you for double digit thousands dollars to pay "in addition" to the thousands already paid, towards your retainer fees, otherwise, they will threaten and often follow through on withdrawing from your case, leaving you abandoned without any remorse. There are other client written negative reviews on Jarvis Krieger & Sullivan for this same complaint along with the same threats they all received. One of Ms. Martin's clients negative reviews wrote; "Carolyn' peers had warned her Carolyn was steering her on a suicide mission. " This is the exact experience I encountered with this attorney. Majority of my calls as sporadic as they were completely ignored. I was kept in suspense on case matters especially conversations she billed me for with opposing counsel', to the point I was never briefed. On smaller matters, she would debrief you at the very last moment. This attorney's feedback, responses & advice was vague to say the least. I was never updated at ALL activities and matters & shamed me for asking. I often wondered; which side of my case is this women on?! Mine or opposing?! Why am I paying this women thousands of dollars within a brief period of time, when neglect, & irreversible damages are being made to my case by my own attorney?! The partners of Jarvis, Krieger & Sullivan seem unconnected & could care less what the client' satisfaction level was towards their attorneys or staff members. If disputes are brought up, you were mocked against by internal staff members & other attorneys. For me, the wool was pulled over my eyes once they figured out how green I was to the whole legal process. I was billed excessively for lack of actions, work and results, which have major impacted my future and they honestly will defend themselves and try to make you feel like you're the problem. We pay too much money and trust these attorneys to represent and fight for our best interests and what is right. This attorney's only concerns appeared to be that of obtaining money and aligning herself politically with peers. Buyer beware.
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12 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
No expert knowledge and Rip Client off Illegally
Totally agree with the other reviewer, Leonard Garber has no clue what to do with my case as well. Typically when attorneys try to sell their services, they will propose their approach for the case. Leonard Garber says he has no idea what to do with the case, but would expect to get paid for his time even when he is doing nothing.
He illegally conned the client into retaining him only then to intentionally get on the phone with the client doing nothing other than saying he doesn’t think he can handle the case. Then he charged the client for that time. He is not even supposed to get in retainment when he doesn’t want to take the case. The only way he did so is so as to charge the client illegally.
It is hard to believe an attorney who has practiced for 40 years would have no clues of some basic case scenarios!
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29 Feb, 2020 by Heather
I hired Mr. Garber for my divorce case and I am glad I switched attorneys as soon as I could otherwise, my case would have been a disaster! Mr. Garber is not a family law specialist and besides that, he took days to get back at emails/calls. He didn't have a clue of what to do in my case.
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20 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
With all respect , on first court date MR Najera was about 2 hours late , on 2 nd court he said he would be there at 9am and was running late , me and my ex wife with her attorney waited till 11am finally MR Najera s assistant called that he would not make due to being in another court trial , 3 rd court date MR Najera showed up late about 10am and without my file , mey exs attorney had to give him a copy , finally they asked for more money and I refused ..
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20 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Do not waste your money. He will make you pay and not deliver what he promises
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07 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous
The absolute worst negligent attorneys I have ever seen. No cross examining his client after defendant asked questions. Yells and basically hangs up when called for answers. Eviction took him 2 years to win then he never completed the process leaving me to pay him and the loser tenants to leave.
Sace yourself and your money you're better off having a toddler represent you than him and his crap assistant .
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01 Jul, 2009 by Anonymous
i was appointed Charles Jensen by the courts. the first thing he told me was that he didn't want to spend time on my case because the court was paying him $60/hr vs the $350/hr he usually charges. i was in training for the Army at the time so i was only available by phone. i got to speak to him for about 10-15 minutes, gave him my contact information, and never heard from him again. i was having a hearing soon so i called his office and once again left my contact information...still nothing. even up to the hearing date which was for the custody of my daughter by the way, i still could not get a hold of him. after the hearing i heard nothing. i called my soon to be ex husbands lawyer to try to find something out from them and they couldn't talk to me since i "had a lawyer". i finally was able to talk to the receptionist about a month after the hearing and she told me that they had no contact information for me and that was why he never called. i told the receptionist that i had given my information a couple of times plus the court and petitioners lawyer had it too so he was very well capable of getting a hold of me. the court will not appoint a different lawyer so i asked to represent myself. so i finally know what's going on no thanks to Jensen. all he did was give me a bill...
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12 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
This lawyer is handling my juvenile dependency matter. He NEVER returns my calls or emails, does not even bother to even know even the smallest details of my case. This lawyer is not recommended, especially when your children are in jeopardy.
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14 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Dependency court is a specialized field but not so specialized that you can't return a phone call to your client 'ever'! My nickname for this attorney is 'it is what it is'. He does nothing but nod his head in court. Nothing to attempt to truly understand what is going on with the case at hand. I have NEVER written online a comment about any professional and I will make sure to hit every single online site that I can in attempts to allow people the opportunity to know that this is NOT the attorney that you want representing you. I am also in the process of filing a State Bar Complaint. By the way, he has been suspended once for misconduct already.
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26 Sep, 2020 by Rebecca
I went to Lynette for help with custody of my son after his dad physically abused him. In the initial (free) phone call to review the events she stated we would request a restraining order and push for full custody. Once she receive my deposit and began charging me for every contact she sent several emails just to check in (I was charged for those check in emails), she spent 1.7 hours discussing the events (that we had gone over several times prior). During that phone call she kept acting confused about the explanation that my son's father threw a shovel at my son, pinned him to the ground and choked him. She did not follow up with the CPS report or Sheriff report. She claimed to have prepared all of the paperwork to submit to the court, but after 3 weeks of interaction she still had not submitted any paperwork to the court.
The bill was just sent for $1400 for 2 phone calls and some check in emails. The end result is my son is still forced to go to a man's house that is physically abusive and the lawyer got paid.
To add to the incompetence, the book keeper told me that I could pay with a credit card and the deposit would be sent back as a check. now I have a $1500 credit on a paid off credit card.
Please do yourself a a favor and do not use this firm.
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13 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
There are a lot of lawyers to choose from. Please keep looking. Would not make the same choice had I known.
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03 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Please beware of this attorney. Her severe lack of ethics directly harms the children she "represents" as Minor's Counsel. She makes alliances...and self-interest/money supplants children's safety, well-being, best interests and justice & truth. There is a shocking underbelly to the San Diego Family Court system particularly North County. Do very careful research and please protect your children regardless of whether you are the mother or the father.
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19 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I will never hire this attorney again. I was milked out of close of $60k for close to nothing. She is pedantic, overpriced, and dropped my case and left me hanging.
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27 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Deborah Perkins did a horrible job.
Talked a big game while collecting my money. But when it came time to face down opposing counsel, she sat there quietly while I was taken to the cleaners.
She put up no fight whatsoever. She's everything you don't want in an attorney.
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07 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
We hired Vicky Tran in 2016 and were very disappointed. Ms. Tran didn’t represent us in how we wanted to be represented inside the court house. Instead of fighting for our child (whom had at the time lived with us 100% for years) she wanted us to just take a plea because it was easier for her. She was not looking out for the best interest for our daughter whom at that time had no relationship with her father. This has by far been one of the most life changing events that I will never forget. I hope Ms. Tran knows how heartbreaking this was for us. I hope it was worth every penny of that $3,000 plus other fees made her happy.
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02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous
Well lb for me this journey started along time ago. I first TV contacted Mr Ryker to helpme with my divorce in the beginning, he aasked for a $500.00 retaretainer and of course i I gave it to him, however when I wasnt able to come up with more money for him, I did not receive my retainer back. And i spoke with this man for maybe 30mins in total!! However I ended up needing a lawyer again about a year ago and since i no longer live in Chico, and I already have dealt with him that i woild go ahead and give him a try. I've given more money than i had, to the point of taking loans. And I've only actually spoken with him, as in hearing his voice, it's been twice possibly three! And when I call it's got to be at the exact right time because thry dont answer and when they do it's a pain in the ass to get a direct answer from him or his assistant's they say they will call you back,,, yeah right! Anyway keep looking if it's divorce your looking for!
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28 Jan, 2013 by Mike
Blaha is horrrible. He rolls over on any request of the woman you are divorcing and tells you to give it to her. He allowed a friend of my wife's to undervalue our home by over $100k in the settlement and then he gave me bad advice to pay alimony when my wife was making over $80k a year and we had no children.
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03 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Diana has to be the worst attorney for men. If you just need motions filed, she is great. But to have her as representation I would RUN, she will misrepresent you, she gives the other side whatever they want. Diana is more combative with her client than she will with the opposing team. You can have all the documents in the world and prove that the other party is in contempt, perjury and showing you do not owe what they say you do she will not go up against it. It was like I was going against the state and her. SHE DOESN'T OR DO NOT WANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT SHE IS HANDLING PEOPLE LIVELY HOOD. But she will take your money like she did all she could do to represent you. Let's not forget she hides information from her own clients. But if you have extra money and would like to throw it away use them. Charles goes along with whatever as long as they are getting paid. PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE RESPONSE THEY MAY POST TO SAY THEY NEVER REPRESENTED ME BECAUSE THEY DID, THEY JUST DONT WANT THE NEGATIVE REVIEW.
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11 Apr, 2018 by Katherine masel
When Susan Rosen was "handed" my cases after I was passed around with the law offices of Beatrice Snider, on our first phone call she YELLED at me and told me that "she was the one to do the talking "(?!?!?) . She was so rude, not even well spoken and bossy.
When I told B. Snider this, to her credit, she apologized and recognized Rosen's inappropriateness. I was hoping Rosen would be a bull dog against my high powered husband, but instead, she bullied me. She could not answer questions about my case and was not up to date. I was to pay her to "catch up" on all that already transpired. It was when Rosen has my case that I fired her because the firm dragged the divorce out and made excuses and encouraged hostility between my and my x to be. Susan Rosen was particularly rude. She sets the standard for bad attorneys and gives them all a bad reputation.
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26 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired Amy Neshanian to work on my child custody case ,after several month a mysterious person starts emailing me saying he is Amy's Husband ,he sends emails without signature or phone number or anything ,She never clarifies that her called husband works for her ,He is Very rude ,then he stops his wife ,Amy Neshanian from working on the case .Don't hire this firm ,they will leave you in the middle of the road .Not professional at all.
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11 Jun, 2019 by Sivan
Unfortunately I had my worst experience with Ani Avetisyan for my divorce case. She is NOT an experienced attorney as she claims and charges for. Not only I lost all my rights with her, I was being overcharged by Ani Avetisyan; for writing hundred of pages to RFO's (as an essay fees) and charging over 20 hours to prepare a declaration, and talking too much. Yet she couldn't even make the judge hear her. After firing her, she still came to my hearings sat for full day, I believe she doesn't have lots of clients since she can invest all her day siting in the courthouse for a full day for someone (case) who she doesn't even represent. Her office in the Granda Hills was her house garage converted to office. Afterwards I went to LACBA Arbitration with her, And I won the case and confirmed that she did overcharged me with huge amount of $17,552 within two and a half months. She charged me before taking my case; now she's facing a violation of business and Professions code 6148 beside the other violations. She purposely called me to talk on the phone for hours, yet she writes hundred of pages just to charge you. Also she disclosed my private case documents including my settlement to the arbitrator. Still today she didn't refund me my overcharged fees and she's trying to vacate the LACBA's judgment.
This shows how unethical attorney she is. It's so sad that I trusted her yet she takes an advantage of my vulnerable situation. Be Very Cautious before you hire her!!
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14 May, 2024 by Anonymous
He only cares about getting paid and nothing else
matt puts his own needs ahead of anyone else's and just leaves his clients high and dry once his option to get paid is on the table
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02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
Called to find out if they can help me but, the secretary did not want even to listen to me unless I send her the ARAG form!
I just wanted to explain but she was rude and did not even let me finish! I hope that the lawyer is not like her!!!
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23 Mar, 2018 by Linda
Just spoke to the Atty for Child Support services who over saw our case today. She told me it was my Atty John Ireland who made our case take over 2 years because he kept asking for continuances. She said it was because of my atty and my ex’s husbands atty that nothing happened for over 2 years! So much money paid to John for NOTHING. The Child Support Atty told me, “it was your Atty who screwed you”, and I had a feeling. He was so weak in the courtroom I was embarrassed for him. He seems timid, sweet and quiet but he sucks as an Atty. My Father’s Atty recommended Mr. Ireland and after my father told his Atty of the incompetent way Ireland handled my case, his Atty promised he’d never refer John Ireland to anyone else. If you’re looking for a family lawyer, don’t bother, just do it yourself. I prevailed majorly on my own once I dropped the dead weight of an Atty. I found the behind the scenes info from the Child Support services Atty to be very insightful and exactly what I suspected was happening. Crooked Ireland can’t be trusted. This was supposed to be an easy case. He told me he was confident he’d get my Atty fees covered. He didn’t. His argument was weak at best to the judge. The only thing he did is find ways to keep us in the system so he could keep getting paid to do nothing. John would ask me to come into his office before we would go into court so he could, “prepare me“, for trial. Every time I would pay him to go into his office to, “prepare me“, I realized I was actually there to prepare him because he had no idea what was going on with our case. This happened several times and I got to pay for our time together. John also misunderstood orders & told me child-support could be retro dated back to the day that I filed, 2 years ago, he was wrong. John should’ve seen by the way the documents were filed that the court would not be able to go back and retro date. That’s huge he should know that. Horrible experience with this attorney. Having this attorney was very frustrating. Dealing with this attorney and the frustration he caused was the worst part of this whole ordeal that he was supposed to make easy. I will leave a bad review every on every site I can possibly find. If they get deleted, I will simply repost. My goal is to hopefully make him lose enough business to where he’s lost as much money as he’s swindled out of me .
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25 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
I had a consultation with Irene and was alarmed on how ignorant, impatient, unexperienced and egotistical she was. For being a family law lawyer, I felt I knew more about the family court system than she did. Needless to say, I did not hire Irene Casson-Gilbert, nor would I recommend her to anyone for any and all family law matters.
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28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
During a consult she rushed me and interrupted me several times. A couple times she asked me questions over, could've been avoided had she been professional and patient. A 30 min consult was in approx 12 min. She rushed me off.
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What a Child Custody Lawyer Can Do for You
A child custody lawyer specializes in helping parents navigate legal matters related to the custody and care of their children, particularly in the context of divorce, separation, or other family disputes. These lawyers assist with determining custody arrangements, drafting parenting plans, and advocating for your rights in court. They also help resolve disputes over physical custody (where the child lives), legal custody (who makes decisions for the child), visitation rights, and modifications to existing custody orders.
Whether you're going through a divorce or need to change an existing custody arrangement, a child custody lawyer can help you understand your rights and protect your child's best interests throughout the legal process.
When Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child custody lawyer in several situations, especially when disputes arise or complex legal issues affect your parental rights. Some common reasons to hire a child custody lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: If you're going through a divorce or separation and need to establish custody and visitation arrangements, a lawyer can help ensure the custody order reflects your child's best interests.
- Disputed custody cases: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody or visitation terms, a lawyer can advocate for your rights in court and help you develop a strong case.
- Modification of custody orders: If you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to changes in circumstances (e.g., relocation, changes in the child’s needs), a lawyer can help file a modification request.
- Parental alienation: If the other parent is interfering with your relationship with your child, a lawyer can help address these issues through legal action.
- Domestic violence or abuse: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, a lawyer can help protect you and your child by requesting restraining orders and advocating for appropriate custody arrangements.
- Grandparent or third-party custody: If you are a grandparent or another relative seeking custody or visitation rights, a lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
- Paternity disputes: In cases where paternity is in question, a lawyer can assist with establishing or challenging paternity, which may affect custody and visitation rights.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help protect your parental rights and ensure that the custody arrangement is in your child's best interests.
What Does a Child Custody Lawyer Do?
A child custody lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents resolve custody disputes and secure favorable custody arrangements for their children. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing custody petitions: Helping you file the necessary paperwork to request custody or visitation rights and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
- Negotiating custody agreements: Assisting in negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, often working toward a mutually beneficial parenting plan without going to court.
- Representing you in court: If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody terms, representing you in court by presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Drafting parenting plans: Helping you draft a comprehensive parenting plan that outlines the schedule for physical custody, decision-making responsibilities, and visitation.
- Handling child support issues: Assisting with related issues such as child support, ensuring that financial obligations are properly calculated and enforced.
- Modifying custody orders: Helping you request a modification from the court if you need to change an existing custody arrangement due to significant life changes.
- Mediating custody disputes: Acting as a mediator to help both parents reach an agreement on custody and visitation without the need for litigation.
How Are Child Custody Lawyers Paid?
Child custody lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case, the time involved, and the nature of the legal work. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child custody lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer's experience and location. The total cost depends on the time spent preparing documents, negotiating, and representing you in court.
- Flat fee: For simple custody matters or uncontested custody agreements, some lawyers may offer a flat fee for specific services, such as drafting a parenting plan or filing a custody petition.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require an upfront retainer fee, which is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount varies based on the expected complexity and duration of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers may offer reduced fees or pro bono (free) services for clients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other serious issues.
It’s important to discuss fees and payment arrangements with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are included.
How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child custody lawyer depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested custody cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and any negotiations.
- Contested custody cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for expert testimony, and the time spent in litigation.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or complex custody disputes.
- Mediation services: If both parents agree to work through mediation, costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for the mediation process.
Always ask for a clear cost estimate during your consultation to ensure that you understand the total legal fees and payment structure.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Custody Lawyer
Before hiring a child custody lawyer, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Some key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child custody cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your case involves complex issues like domestic violence, relocation, or paternity disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees for certain services, or requires a retainer, and ask for an estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and expected outcomes. -
How long will the process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline from filing the petition to reaching an agreement or going to trial. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
Can we pursue mediation or alternative dispute resolution?
Ask whether the lawyer recommends mediation or other forms of dispute resolution to avoid a lengthy court battle.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Custody Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child custody lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and child custody cases.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge the lawyer’s professionalism and success in child custody matters.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on custody cases.
- Check for certifications: Look for lawyers who are board-certified in family law or have memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) or local family law sections.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a child custody lawyer, come prepared with relevant documents and information:
- Court orders or existing custody agreements: Bring copies of any existing custody or visitation orders for the lawyer to review.
- Communication with the other parent: Provide copies of emails, texts, or letters regarding custody, visitation, or disputes.
- List of your child’s needs: Prepare a list of your child’s specific needs, such as medical care, education, and extracurricular activities.
- Timeline of the case: Outline key events related to your custody case, including changes in living situations or parental involvement.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions about the custody process, legal fees, and the lawyer’s strategy for your case.
By being well-prepared, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible advice for protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
