"$5000 Paid, No Results, No Accountability" I hired Caitlin Koestner and paid a $5000 retainer to help with a straightforward custody issue. I am a responsible father with joint custody, simply trying to secure fair parenting time with my son. We were never married, there were no property issues, and no financial entanglements. This was a basic request for shared time. What I got instead was minimal communication, no court filings made on my behalf, and no progress toward resolution. The response from the attorney after I expressed my frustration was to blame the court and the opposing party while taking no responsibility for the lack of results. I was presented with an unexpected invoice without warning, even though no substantial legal action had occurred. I was also told to file paperwork myself to continue without her. This entire experience has been disappointing and disheartening. I came to Caitlin for support in one of the most important battles of my life, the right to be present in my son's life, and I was left feeling like I had to do it all myself. If you are a parent seeking real advocacy, honest communication, and someone who will fight for your rights, I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. read more

My husband and I consulted Matt Shahon for our prenuptial agreement. Matt was able to draft a great prenuptial agreement that was satisfactory to both my now husband and I (Milo DeArmey was the reviewing attorney for my husband's interests). My husband and I live happily and have no money arguments due to the financial agreements that were included in our prenup. We have our separate financial responsibilities and harmoniously support each other when needed. My husband has a previous marriage, and our prenuptial agreement was able to protect my assets from his ex-wife. Matt was also of assistance to my husband by recommending the Orange County Child Support Services, which saved my husband a lot of financial pain and burden from attorney's fees. Matt was recommended to me by a friend from work. read more

Koestner & Shahon - Matt Shahon helped us with our prenup. - Lawyers Near Me - Whittier, California

This review is for a consumer. My experience with Marie Koestner was through a court-appointed order of Minors Counsel without my choice. She was brought on to my case because the Mother of our children stated our children were suicidal and needed legal representation. I am speaking as the party -a father- whose custody and visitation are at a minimum and she was brought in as "the voice" for our girls then (8, and 12) at the time. My concern is for the parent fighting for custody and she is assigned to the case for the kids. Mrs. Koestner has taken a biased approach since day 1. What do I mean by Biased? Let's just say the information provided to her was never verified through an interview or interaction with me and our girls. She simply spoke to both of my girls and their primary caregiver and when she came at me, she came accusing me and asking for explanations as to the why of some concerns brought to her attention by both the girls and their mother. Here is my concern as a consumer. As a legal specialist in this matter of family law, she is more than aware that people twist facts and information. She should know there are always 2 sides to the story. She should also look at the red flags and dangers of when a parent is coaching, interrogating, and when a child is simply acting on a loyalty bond and fear-based. In the entire length of her being in the Case which is August of 2022, I have only received 1 -3 min call and 1- 2 min call. So in 5 minutes of speaking to me, she has made her conclusion of me as a father and made her very firm opinion on our hearings. All opinions bashing my actions and not once seeing any of the mother's actions as a major concern. All her court hearings are based on putting requirements for me to complete. For example, get a signed order to cut the girls' hair, although they have a hard time managing their long hair. Also to Do court therapy sessions and report back to court, but only me, not the mother. Keep in mind this matter has been ongoing since the day of my separation in 2017. The hostility that exists from other parents is very apparent and counsel sees no concerns. The mother's aggressive behavior through talking parents' messages, her abusive speech toward me, and how the mother of our girls confesses she interrogates girls after each visit, is of no concern to counsel. All this has been overlooked and I as the father was called out solely for putting our girls through trauma and stress because they don't have their personal space when visiting me 2x a month. Or because I am cutting their hair. As I expressed concerns to this counsel by email and provided important information regarding the case and the girl's overall concern, she never replied to any of my messages. She is taking this approach as the girl's voice and not considering the amount of proof provided through RFOs. What voice is that, I ask? Is it her personal voice or the voice of the mother who wants the father 100% out of their lives? She really isn't looking out for the best interest of the children. Her approach is which parent tells the better story and which side of the story the children confirm. No in-depth interview process is offered or any sessions to see interactions between the girls and I. It is very sad she is appointed by the courts to be the voice of a child whose maturity level is that of a child. I hope this review helps a parent who she is assigned to, immediately request a replacement and do your research on past reviews of her from other parents. You will see many have encountered the same outcome as myself. Once she makes up her mind, no evidence and facts will help your case. So for the mental well-being of your child speak up fast and loud. read more

I believe I met Marie Koestner in 2021-2022 she was assigned as minors council for my 2 daughters At first me and my daughters were happy that they would finally be heard And tell there side of the story and how they wanted to spend more time with me After all the evidence I provided text messages from my daughters to me about Mental abuse / neglect / verbal abuse and even physical threats From there mom Marie Koestner accused me of manipulation And made excuses for everything mom wouldn't do and every mistake mom did In court Marie Koestner fabricated stories and lied and twisted everything I told her her mom did To make me look bad Marie Koestner is a bias and corrupted council and favors women and makes us good fathers look bad And after the hearing nothing good happened my 2 daughters request to spend more time with me there father was never honored Shortly after that everything went down hill and got worse depression ,hurt , anger and more for my daughters not understanding why they didn't get what they requested as all they wanted was more time with me As i been fighting for my children for 7 years in family court I went to court today again but a different minors council was assigned and with a different judge since I filled a RFO in 2022 The new judge was more fair then my prior judge Charles clay as he ignored everything I said I would ask judge Charles clay why am I here fighting to be dad I'm a good father not a criminal but treated like one today as i went to Court to finalize orders My youngest daughter of 15 she is with full time with me and has visitation 2 days a week and 2 over nights twice a month with mother since 2021 December The family court system is already unfair to fathers what makes it worse is people like Mari Koestner Because of her my 2 daughters went through hell and destroyed so much And lost so much time that was stolen From them and me People like Marie Koestner need to be exposed and accountable for all there wrong doing as I am sure I'm not the only father that's been through this type of hell read more

I should have listened to the reviews saying all these people care about is money ! They didn't do anything they said they would and soaked me for 7K for a simple child support hearing that should have cost a thousand or two and afterwards took an unannounced maternal leave and left me hanging with no attorney. About as unprofessional, rude, and inconsiderate as it gets. THEY ONLY WANT $$$ read more

Matthew Shahon was appointed to do minors counsel by the courts in my custody case and let start with he is Rude, Disrespectful, unprofessional and tries to intimidate you with his lawyer status. If you're appointed to do minors counsel by the courts with this man I recommend you ask for a different attorney or if you're referred to him don't do business with this man. No one deserves to be talked down to, belittled or disrespected especially when you're calling to ask a few questions to get information. read more

I will never understand how they can take peoples money and do unscrupulous work against that person. Very cruel way of staying in business. If you have an issue, you may want to connect yourself with a firm that believes in justice and in fairness. He doesn't investigate his cases with children. They are both sharks but not for the welfare of mankind. As long as you are paying them, they will do what they need to to win your case, no matter who they are hurting. They are very mean spirited and will not do the right thing for the right party. They will promise you the world and not deliver. From my own personal experience, he will take your money, and not do right by you. She will do the same. How can anyone be in a field to divide families, manipulate the truth, be dishonest and intimidate you with his unethical practice. He has no interest in the child or the child's best interest. They violate court orders because of the pull they have. Don't bring innocent people to the point of bankruptcy just so that that its all about the win and material gain. I will be filling a report through the State Bar of California. read more

I refer all of my friends with family law issues here, and they have all thanked me for doing so. These are lawyers that care about and fight hard for their clients, and it shows. read more

I have to start this by saying, if I could give Matt 10 + stars I would. I am a paying client and he did not ask me to write this review. I am so pleased with his handling of my case, I felt compelled to give him a review. Anyone who hasn't given Matt 5 or more stars, was not realistic about their case. I had been with 2 prior attorneys before I got to Matt. They were both knowledgeable but not strategic. Matt is amazing. Matt guided me through each issue telling me what he felt was productive and what was not. He wasn't going to waste legal fees on something he didn't recommend pursuing. He is knowledgable about the law, the parties, the outcomes. He assesses your chances, your priorities and then gives you an honest opinion, not just what he thinks you want to hear. He treated opposing counsel and all parties with the utmost professionalism and respect which I truly appreciated. He was brilliant. I believe he MUST have a reputation at the Whittier venue of not litigating frivolously and not degrading to name calling or showboating. He is no-nonsense, especially with his clients. Because he is a skilled negotiator, we all got what we valued most from the case, and I walked away more than pleased. We all should have. The ONLY regret I have was that I didn't hire him from the onset. Matt is reasonable, trustworthy and honorable. His colleagues know it, his clients know it, I believe the Judges know it, and that made a huge difference. read more

Matt was appointed by the court to represent my child. I highly recommend him. He definitely had the best interest for my child in mind.

Do not hire this firm. They only care about money, they never researched my case fully and bombed with a new judge. Matt walks around like he has a stick up his .... He needs to learn manners. He talks a good game but did not deliver. He is friends with the other lawyers and works out what is best for his schedule. read more

So, we did not get to pick Marie by choice and she was going through personal things when we got her . She is suppose to be bias, However being a court represented child lawyer she's not personable with children at least my outgoing kid didn't feel this way ! In fact it came down at the end where my daughter wanted to talk to the judge ! My daughter is extremely smart emotionally and very well educated at times she surprises me . Marie was I felt manipulated by my ex . All the cards fell against him and she still tried to put it as if I wasn't willing to cooperate . I didn't move 10 hours away from my daughter . I wasn't fired from 2 jobs I didn't have alcohol implants in and I didn't disregard everything a child was telling me nor did I miss all my monitored visits . Yet she told me I was mind controlling my kid ! I had her in therapy and I was in therapy at any time she could see those records . I realize that it's good for a kid to have a relationship with their dad , but at what point is the father accountable Marie ? Your terms still are not working he's still harassing me and you did nothing to protect your 13 year old client ! Do your job! read more

The fact that I'm coming back to this and adding an update ought to say enough about this law firm. I won.....again!!!! Matt Shahon is an amazing attorney. I hope this review brings lots of business his way because it only means that he can help others like me. read more

Matt Shahon was my attorney for years. I think he's a straight-shooter, fair, smart. Mr. Shahon is not going to put up with a problem client; and he can cut through the he said/she said and see what's really going on. Matt won't do things you want or think you need all the time, but he's skilled and knowledgeable and he has his reasons. He had a very good rapport with the Judge, never went back-n-forth with opposing counsel, and didn't racked up the bill. I have a tough high-conflict case. (Horrible & sad.) I'm a mom to a wonderful child. Mr. Shahon still assists on my case. I would definitely refer him. read more

Highly recommend Matt Shahon to represent you in any family law matter. Hired Matt to represent me in a recent divorce settlement and was very impressed with his knowledge on family law and recommendations on moving forward in my case. Matt is a very personable and respected attorney and was responsive to all my calls and inquiries. Was impressed that Matt knew the opposing lawyers which helped facilitate a mutually agreed upon settlement settlement. read more

This is my very first review here on Yelp! And it is from my heart Atty. MATTHEW SHAHON stepped in to help me with a big heart with my case!!! When I called his law office, he accepted it right away. I was very emotional while we were talking on the phone. He kept his cool and made arrangements for a meeting that fits in to our schedule. English is not my first language but he understands what I expressed and explained to him. With Lawyer CAITLIN KOESTNER, the two of them worked together to get my cause and case done. I am the FIRST CLOSED CASE of the Brilliant and always accommodating Atty. Caitlin Koestner! She brought "Law & Order" back to me. The judgement is on the way and Caitlin still help with when the other party is delayed in 'what they have to do' as agreed. I can write a book about how this law firm helped me in my transition. I was in great hands with Shahon & Koestner law office. read more

I've been referring my clients here for years, now, and wouldn't consider sending them anywhere else. Marie and Matt take great care of their clients and know exactly what each individual case needs. You're in great hands if you are lucky enough to be represented by one of these amazing attornies. read more