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Laura Kastner
Data reflects the status as of the most recent database update. We generally conduct data reviews and updates on a
monthly schedule.
4.9
Avvo rating
8 Reviews
4.0
Google reviews rating
36 Reviews
Top review highlights
AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Personable, knowledgeable, and compassionate approach
“Laura is very personable and knowledgable. She made me feel comfortable and supported in my given my situation.”
2
Excellent communication and responsiveness
“She is quick to email or call me if I have questions, and she is always emotionally present when we are discussing hard details of my past toxic relationship and the divorce process.”
3
Empathetic and caring towards clients
“I never felt like I was taking up 'too much of her time' or that my questions were burdensome or stupid...and that is a testament to her sympathetic spirit.”
4
Commitment to achieving the best outcome for clients
“She did such a good job of affirming me as I navigated this new territory- I wouldn't be where I am today without you!”
5
Highly recommended by clients
“I would definitely recommend her if you are in need of a family law attorney.”
Cons
1
Careless mistakes in preparing important documents
“The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional.”
2
Unresponsive and dismissive customer service
“I have left 3 messages over the last 5 days and no one has returned my phone calls.”
All reviews
25 Jun, 2024 by Jessie mcleod
27 May, 2024 by Robin strickland
30 Mar, 2024 by Bethany fitzsimmons
First of all, I would like to make clear that we did not chose to work with Ms. Nance at Bagwell Holt Smith P.A. She was chosen by the buyers of our home in Durham, and we had no choice but to work with her.
Upon receipt of our estimated closing documents, we informed Ms. Nance that the payoff amount was incorrect (too high). When we pointed this out, we were met with the condescending reply that we simply did not understand how to read out mortgage documents. The next day, when we presented Ms. Nance with the correct payoff amount in the form of an email with a pdf from our lender attached, we were accused of "borderline harassment" for having pointed out her careless mistake. The closing documents were corrected.
Later, while we were signing closing documents, we were informed by our neighbor that there were people trespassing on our property. The timing of the trespassers seemed quite suspicious to us because the only people who knew we would not be at home were myself and my partner, our realtor, a mobile notary, and Ms. Nance's office. As we had not approved of anyone entering the property, and because we suspected that they may have been under the direction of Ms. Nance, we informed her that we were not aware of not did we approve any requests for people to come onto our property, especially as the Due Diligence period had closed. Her response was that it was the survey her office had ordered to be done during the Due Diligence period, which had been delayed, and said that he had no legal right to deny them. I am not an attorney, however I believe I would have been fully in my rights to have called the police on the trespassers onto our private property given the Due Diligence period had been closed and we were never notified that a survey was going to be done.
Our final grievance with Ms. Nance concerns her preparation of our tax documents. We first received one 1099-S form from Ms. Nance's office containing only the social security number (SSN) of my partner. As we are unmarried, we file our taxes singly and so I requested that we be sent two 1099-S forms, one for myself and one for my partner. Though we never consented to electronic documents, we were emailed pdfs of our 1099-S forms however this time Ms. Nance had switched our SSNs so that my SSN was on Jason's form and vice versa. Her response was she just put them in the order they were in on another form (and didn't bother to check that they were correct). I replied asking the corms to be corrected, again, and to be mailed. We then received copies of the 1099-S forms in the mail which had our incorrect SSNs. Upon notification, Ms. Nance re-sent the pdfs of the corrected 1099-S forms. I have once again requested hard copies be mailed as we never consented to electronic delivery of these documents.
While preparation of all these documents may be rote to Ms. Nance, they are extremely important to us and have significant impact on our finances. The carelessness employed by Ms. Nance throughout this process is extremely unprofessional. While everyone should be double and triple checking any document they sign, it is easy as a first time home seller to be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of paperwork that goes into selling a home. One should be able to trust that the parties preparing such important documents (and collecting payment accordingly) would have the ability to prepare them correctly and with care. I am glad that we reviewed everything carefully and am sorry for those who have unknowingly been victims of Ms. Nance's carelessness and unprofessionalism.
24 Oct, 2023 by Ralph hollinshead
My experience with this firm has not been positive. I was the seller of my Moms home after she passed away. The attorneys and paralegals did not bother to walk me through the closing sheet even though there were significant expenses coming out of our pocket. They were unresponsive on trying to figure out wiring instructions leading up to closing. Finally they have been dismissive about my concerns on tax bills still coming to me instead of the new owner after the closing. Do not recommend.
06 Oct, 2023 by Matt read
I highly recommend John and his team. They handled my custody and divorce case with the utmost compassion and I ended up with an extremely positive outcome. My military retirement was protected and untouched. My custody agreement is fair and while it is not perfect, I live in a different state. John was extremely prompt at answering any form of communication even when on his personal time. The firm genuinely care about the clients that they represent and I felt like they treated me as their own family.
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