I hired Joe Frick Law Firm (David Bartels) for a divorce and custody matter and do not recommend…read morethem for custody cases. I was new to this process and relied on the firm to manage urgent deadlines and a child‑safety situation. Early on I was told I would consult with an assistant and this is normal for all law firms (which I accepted, due to limited time to reply to the divorce petition), but later learned that most lawyers do the consults their selves-the first inconsistency. I requested a specific lawyer and was told the firm assigns attorneys; I accepted because I had only two weeks to respond to my spouse's proposal. At an in‑person meeting I provided all documents, paystubs, journals, and evidence for mandatory disclosures. David said he would handle the submissions and didn't need copied of the documents I had, but I left him with copies I had previously prepared. About a month later the assistant emailed saying the documents had not been submitted and the deadline was approaching. I resubmitted the forms and followed up after the deadline; the firm gave a vague response and I later discovered the filing had been missed. When an open CPS matter arose involving my coparent and concerns for my child's safety, I told the firm it was urgent. They repeatedly said they would get back to me; three days later I still had no substantive response. When I emphasized the urgency, my lawyer emailed instructing me not to disclose that information to his assistant because it made her nervous. At an ex parte hearing my lawyer arrived minutes before court, had not submitted the evidence I provided, and was unprepared. I had to write notes for him to read during the hearing because he had not filed the response or evidence I supplied and apparently had no idea how to respondto my opponents attorney. The opposing counsel arrived early and had time to speak with the other party; my lawyer's late arrival and lack of preparation reflected poorly in court. On top of that, my ex was dressed better than my lawyer. I know it probably doesn't matter to the judge, but let me tell you, I was embarrassed. But later learned, my new attorney identified at least four missed deadlines that my original lawyer never disclosed. I have since retained new counsel to correct the issues and protect my child and my case. Now Joe Frick Law Firm is demanding $4,000 for work they claim was prepared but never submitted and that I have never seen. Get everything in writing, request proof of filing, and consider other counsel for custody or child‑safety matters. If you care about your children's safety and timely, competent representation, look elsewhere.

Don't do it! don't do it!! Don't do it!!!…read more Joe Frick Law is hands down the worst law firm I have ever dealt with. During one of the most difficult and vulnerable times of my life, they took my money, lied about how much things were going to cost, and completely failed to help me in any meaningful way. I trusted them when I was already under extreme stress, and instead of support, I felt used and taken advantage of. What I was told upfront about fees did not match what actually happened, and once they had my money, their concern for me disappeared. Communication was terrible, questions went unanswered, and I was left feeling helpless and overwhelmed. This firm added more pain to an already painful situation. They did not fight for me, they did not guide me, and they did not act in my best interest. I felt like nothing more than a transaction to them. I would strongly warn anyone considering Joe Frick Law to stay far away. Do not make the mistake I did. There are other lawyers in the Boise area who actually care about their clients--this is not one of them.