Reviews

It's been over 5 yrs since my divorce & every year, I have to lawyer up because my MSA has so many loopholes & no penalties if my ex doesn't provide me w/ the correct documentation or compensation. So this year, as I lawyer up I feel compelled to write a review about Deborah Chames & her assistant at the time, Christina Echerverri. I hired Deborah because at the time, I thought these women were strong, smart, and caring lawyers who would have my back. I had just come out a 20 year abusive marriage and was weak physically and mentally. Upon our first consultation, as i relay what is going on, Deborah puts her hand up and says shush. I took this as a sign of strength, that she would be the bull in the china shop I needed on my side. I could not have been more wrong. During this first meeting, Deborah was appalled that my first lawyer (who I thought wasn't aggressive enough for my manipulative ex) was not able to get my cell phone returned to me that my ex wrestled out of my hands, along with my wallet and car keys (which he often took from me). I thought, she is going to help! She will be my strength my voice that I don't have right now. Looking back, I could not have been more wrong. I feel like both lawyers not only took advantage of me but of my father's wallet. They only saw dollar signs. I had to tell my dad the horrors I had been living under with my 3 kids. To this day, he is still upset with my lawyers. During the 6 or so months of working with the 2 women, I would questioned things but I would drop it I had no confidence after literally being tortured physically, emotionally and financially. When I did get up enough nerve to ask a question, Christina would get frustrated and she would get Deborah on the line who proceeded to screech at me. Her high pitched shrill voice took more time to dissipate then the wake from my contentious divorce. All in all, they bullied me, oer and over again & I acquiesced for fear of Deborah getting mad at me. Looking back, the few times they were nice, was when I had to come to town to get ready for one of many trials that never happened. They were nice bc they billed my dad for hours getting ready, when they probably knew no trial was to happen. My dad spent close to 6 figures, because they insisted my ex had no money. I kept insisting he will bounce back, he always did. I even hired a forensic accountant, who charged my dad close $30k & did not find anything. After the divorce, I found out that he owed the IRS $80k & then they came after me for the money. One time, an issue came up & I had to speak to Deborah (I cannot remember the issue) & she called me back & preceded to screech at me & tell me I ruined her son's engagement party! I got off the phone and cried. Much like the time I was on the phone w/ Christina, and I was asking her a question she didn't care for, when a squirrel ran out in front of my car & I ran it over. I got upset & was like OMG, I just ran over a squirrel! Christina proceeded to tell me to pay attention & focus on her in a very sharp tone and I said, I have to go and hung up. These women are cold, unemotional, and deceiving. Do not mistake what you think is fierceness and compassion as that! Like I said, I have had to lawyer up every year since my divorce because of my disastrous MSA, to which, other lawyers, even on my ex's side have voiced they have never seen such a poorly worded sections in a document. Took me years to forgive my lawyers so the weight could lift off my shoulders. I feel terrible my dad had to pay and I am embarrassed I picked such a bad husband but also in my opinion, very bad lawyers. Today, my ex flies private, has 2 homes & makes well over 6 figures. I on the other hand, can only make $40k or he can amend my alimony. And in the end, I never received my cell phone back. It was all just smoke and mirrors. I left my name on this review bc they don't intimidate or scare me anymore. Be kind.

Deborah Chames was not the attorney who had my best interest at heart. I paid her way more than I could ever afford to get a settlement of nothing. My ex husband was ordered to pay $800 a month for two kids while I was left with a bill of $27,00 from this lawyer. Do yourself a favor, get someone else!

I cannot say enough about how great Ms Chames is and the difference she made in my life because of her knowledge and work ethics. Her team of workers are excellent.I highly recommend her.

I was going thru a very drawn out legal battle over child support with an unethical attorney and an unethical ex-husband. Together they were spending my money and chasing + creating drama. My life was hell! Fortunately Deborah stepped in and with her expertise, shut down the opposing attorney and did damage control on what my original inept attorney was creating. I frequently recommend her.