Reviews

The call was fine but they never reached back out and I had to hire someone else

I went to John Stathakis because he handled a friend's divorce. What a mistake, he gave bad advice. When I called his office the phone went unanswered however, if he wanted to waste my money he would randomly call to demand I come into his office so he could tell me he had nothing to update me in regards to the divorce. Most meetings after he got the money I felt like he was working for my ex-husband. After the loss of over 5K I finally found a real divorce lawyer. If possible I would have given this a negative 5 stars. Good thing I found a better lawyer she was able to help me with a better settlement. If not for her I would be in financial ruin because of the poorly way JS handled my case.

The most disrespectful and unprofessional lawyer I've ever dealt with. Don't waste your time or money.

Extremely disrespectful and rude!!

Doesn't understand the most basic of legal practices or laws. Will not respond in a timely manner if at all. Lack of communication and availability. Voicemail is always full and he has no office he frequents. He should not have a license to practice law. I hope this warning will help someone else avoid this nightmare in the future.

Amazing lawyer.

Awesome

Great lawyer

I called Mr Hagler to take my case as I live outside of SC and was in desperate need of a Family Court Attorney as my case was time sensitive (whose isn't though) and it was against SC DSS. After my initial phone conversation with him he seemed eager and willing to help. Even before discussing any fees, he asked me to send him all documents I had regarding the case, which I did. Based on his initial responsiveness I thought I was in good hands. He listened to what I had to say & I thought that was great. However, that quickly turned to concern when I felt like he never offered me concrete advice for how to handle certain family issue in the interim. It got to the point that I would call and email and he would not respond (literally nothing for weeks). When he did call back, I did most of the talking trying to update him on things that occurred since our last conversation. I finally began to press him regarding strategy as we got to the point of him attending hearings on my behalf and his recommendations were actually in the best interest of the state & not mine, as his client. He left hearings actually questioning me on things I had already explained to him as though he believed the rhetoric of the state & my ex-husband about me despite already providing proof to support my statements. If I had taken his advice, I would have signed a document basically admitting I abused my child when I did not. I told him I would not sign such a thing. Instead of fighting the agency, he wanted to take the easy way out & thought I would be none the wiser. It got to the point he missed hearings trying to avoid me. In the end I asked him to withdraw from the case since he didn't feel comfortable doing what I asked (fighting the state). The situation got so out of control, I even had to file a grievance against him with the State of SC Commission on Lawyer Misconduct. I give him 2 stars because he did work on the case. He was present for some hearings, filed motions, and despite him saying he advised against it, he actually did file a motion that would allow me to be heard the court on all my issues. However, his lack of follow through, minimal to almost nonexistent communication as well as making recommendations that only benefit him and the state cause his rating to be severely reduced.

I personally called upon John Stathakis at this office for a family court issue and he delivered outstanding results at an affordable price. He and his staff know there stuff! Don't hesitate!