Reviews

Nothing much really was resolved; we were in crisis mode. When we didn't not want to keep her on a retainer she dropped us. Then when we had no lawyer, the other parent took off to another state. We called her again and she was too busy. Referred us to MODERATE MEANS...and they are pretty useless right now.

I had trouble finding a lawyer who's focus was to help parents get the best for their children in a divorce. Michelle has demonstrated that she has the experience and know-how to get children through a divorce with their interests at heart.

After going through a very high conflict divorce with an ex-wife who was willing to stop at nothing to destroy me including false abuse allegations and keeping my daughter from visiting me, Ms. Raiford, from the very beginning acted as a guardian and avenging angel throughout this very contentious legal process. From our intial consultation, where she offered me free 15-minute introductory consultation, unlike other attorneys I had contacted who had offered a similar introductory consultation, in that short 15 minutes she gave me real valuable insight as to what my ex-wife's motivations and possible next steps were with just that limited information I gave her about my case, I was immediately impressed and hired her the next day and retained her the day after. Her rates were reasonable, and she was usually very prompt in answering any questions I may have had throughout the process. The end result was as favorable and equitable of an outcome as a divorcing father could have expected in the State of Washington and had it not been for Ms. Raiford, I would have been so much worse off; I am guaranteed visitation with my daughter, I have support obligations that I can afford, and an equitable split of remaining marital assets despite my ex-wife's scorched earth plan of attempting to destroy me on her way out. I highly recommend her, especially for all of the fathers out there going through divorce with a contentious ex who is committed to destroying them out of spite and are willing to alienate your children from you or, make false abuse allegations to destroy your life, as mine had attempted to do. She worked very hard for me and obtained better results than I could have ever imagined.

Michelle handled my no kids divorce with my wife. She is direct, honest, and has good experience in guiding me what to expect. She kept my expectations aligned the whole time. She is independent, determined, and will protect you from unforeseen circumstances. She's very hands off and doesn't ask much of you, which is nice I'd you don't have a lot of time (or money) to consult your lawyer on every little decision. I'd recommend her as your attorney if you are divorcing. My advice to a future client, would be to handle her directly, without emotion, and be clear on your desires. She will listen, and do as such.

Michelle was an invaluable part of my divorce when I needed her the most. She answered all my questions whenever I reached out to her and always helped me every step of the way. She was very professional and informative when I had a hard time understanding the complexity of the legal system; being that English is my second language. With all the added stress of a divorce she always fought for me and did what needed to be done to finalize my divorce without giving any ground to the opposition. I never felt like she was only there for a paycheck but, she was there to help me because she cares about her clients. I highly recommend Michelle for any and all types of Divorce/separation, Child custody, and Child support cases out there.

Words cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for Michelle. Her knowledge, experience, wisdom, guidance and fierce advocacy are unmatched. From my initial visit with Michelle I knew she had my back and would fight hard to win my custody case - which she did! She got me everything I wanted and more. Michelle was also willing to take my case on extremely short notice and she worked diligently to fix costly mistakes made by a previous attorney. She fought for my little family like it was her own. Michelle is an exceptional family law attorney and there is no one I would trust more than her to handle any needs I may have in the future.

Michelle would let the opposing counsel go on and on with exaggerations and fabrications. She would not interject or object and I did not feel that she had my back. She is strong and intimidating in character, but it does not translate into the courtroom as one would expect. She gave me 30% discounts as sympathy to my financial situation, yet after four or five times in court, I was out about 13 Grand. I have since found a much more affordable and attentive attorney. Michelle charged me for emails she received yet never read or responded to. She would call me during her prep time and asked me to send it again because she can't find the email or ask me if I ever actually sent it. I have a feeling I was charged for the re-sent emails as well. Michelle has made it very difficult to get my court files over to my new attorney.

Michelle Raiford was my lawyer during the most intense, emotional time of my life. I was battling my ex for custody of our son. It was a very long, drawn out case. My ex was very spiteful, deceitful and played many petty games that caused emotional damage and anxiety for not just my son and I, but both the families involved. Michelle was compassionate, understanding and sensitive to all of our needs during this time, not just emotionally but financially as well. Michelle understood that my family and I were on a tight budget. She made sure that we spent the money we had in the areas where we absolutely needed her, in order to ensure we could continue to employ her throughout the entire ordeal (most importantly through the trial). I not only felt like I was protected by having a competent and dedicated lawyer by my side, but at times it felt as if I had a friend by my side as well. Michelle was very good at staying one step ahead of my ex. Always anticipating his next move or the options available to him as far as replies, responses, appeals, etc.. Her knowledge and experience of the law and the court system, including the judges and commissioners, gave me a strong sense of security and comfort that was absolutely priceless. There is nothing more important in this world than your child and when someone threatens to take that from you, especially to expose them to an unfit lifestyle there is very little that can comfort you in this moment. Michelle did just that, as well as won me full custody of my boy along with child support, back child support and even some court fees. For the better part of ten years my ex answered to know one, came and went when he wanted and did not provide any sort of help, support or parenting for his son in any way and then had the audacity to kidnap our son in my lowest and weakest moment. Words cannot express how grateful and happy I am to have my boy back and the security of knowing his father can no longer attack or threaten our lives anymore and this is all owed to Michelle Raiford.

This wonderful attorney, Michelle Raiford, saved my life when she prevented an unlawful eviction. I physically and emotionally would not have survived the eviction. She put in a lot of hours and skill because my case was not an easy one. Her follow-through was over and beyond my expectations. She succeeded in making sure that the Everett Housing Authority not only dismissed the eviction procedure, she also had them relocate me to a much better unit. This young woman is my heroine in a time when justice is rare for any low-income person. Ms Raiford has inspired me to return to school. I am enrolled in the Criminal Justice Class at ITT-Everett, She will go far in her career, her practice is what law is meant to be!