I was quoted "around $1,250.00" for an uncontested divorce. After speaking with attorney Blaine he specifically indicated how many uncontested divorces of this type he has first hand experience with; moreover, it should take around 5.8 hours give or take, no more than 8. This was the main reason I employed this firm... cost, as i'm in no rush, stress or duress due to the marriage.
The attorneys staff emailed intake and confidential information forms which I was sure to be certain were filled out right--the first time to minimize back and forth between their offices and mine (and reduce cost). I sent the forms back one time, only to have the attorney draft a summons that were contrary to the forms i'd sent. When I received the first draft of the summons, I noted the it was contrary to his proposed strategy, subsequently emailed the attorney about this apparent discrepancy. When he contacted me back, he edited the form while I was on the phone. Near the weeks end, I received the updated final draft of the summons... and an additional bill. Now, i'm almost $1,500 in, and a formal complaint for divorce has never even been filled.
Also there is now an apparent discrepancy regarding the retainer as alleged by their firm of $3000, when I plainly did not agree to this amount. To the contrary, I have a form they sent me titled "2018 Master Retainer Agreement $1000".pdf, and this was the amount we discussed based on the $1,250 quote. Moreover, I wonder why this form was titled and emailed in such a way as it seems... at the least, deliberately misleading to the client (me). Since that conversation, counsel has emailed me citing, "the method of determining fees and/or total cost of representation is not possible."... really? During our phone consultation, you seemed believe $1,250.00 now it's "the methods" that can't possibly exact a cost for an uncontested divorce. The main reason one Lawyer shops is typically price. In my situation, there are no pre-existing court orders, kids or property; moreover, just a regular vegas style shotgun marriage that ended early... with a great human somewhere on the other side of the planet I rarely see anymore, and the lawyer can no longer determine total cost for an uncontested divorce.
The only thing that was worse, was having a paralegal bill me an extra $412.50, when I contacted her to inquire, she informed me that I am billed for asking billing questions, disputing a bill, or when she calls to schedule a time to talk with counsel, there are charges for this as well ($250.00/hr). In furtherance of that, I receive a note from counsel citing my interaction with the paralegal as "inappropriate". I don't know whether to LMFAO or cry.
After reading about the experiences of others here combined with my brief experience "bait and switch" approach is part of a behavior culture at this particular firm. RECORD EVERY conversation AND be sure to read the small small print in their retainer agreement. Without at least one 3 star rating, I have 2 words for this law firm.
Never Again! read more
