1. Oberst DeFala Law

0

Norwalk, CT

Cancel

Open app

Search

Updated 2 months ago

Services - Oberst DeFala Law

Divorce law

Family law

Oberst DeFala Law Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Oberst DeFala Law

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Erik C.
62
57
3

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Oberst DeFala Law

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Divorce & Family Law 913 times last month within 20 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Law Office of James A. Saraceni

Law Office of James A. Saraceni

(3 reviews)

In what was my first encounter with the justice system, I was lost and scared. For someone used to…read morethe pace of the corporate world, it was quite frustrating in addition to being completely unfamiliar. After speaking with two other larger firms and being made to feel like just another small and insignificant case, I selected Mr. Saraceni from an online search and gave him a call. He listened carefully to my explanations and questions, and gave me honest, realistic feedback. I immediately felt like I had reached someone who understood my situation and was knowledgeable and qualified to guide me through it. At each step of the way he explained what was happening and what would most likely happen next. His prior experience as a police officer gave him insight that others might not have had. His knowledge of the law and of others involved in law enforcement and the court system allowed him to paint a complete picture of the proceeding for me. I came away from each conversation with him feeling calmer and more confident. In the end I believe he achieved the best possible result for me, one I am quite satisfied with. If I ever find myself in a similar situation (which I sincerely hope I do not), he will be the first person I call. I'm thankful I connected with James and would highly recommend him to anyone needing legal advice or representation.

He recently helped my father with case, and successfully helped us win. Very respectful, very…read morepatient, and made sure we didn't settle for any low numbers. Would highly recommend for anyone with high stress cases.

Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law - Attorney Melissa Needle

Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law

(9 reviews)

I recently consulted with Alex Cuda regarding a child support enforcement matter -- a…read moremagistrate-level proceeding, not a complex litigation case, with a relatively limited procedural framework. I came prepared with documentation and ensured his office received my materials the day before the consultation. Throughout the meeting, he did not appear to refer to anything I had submitted, and based on the questions he asked, it did not seem that he had reviewed my materials or even looked up the docket number I had provided in advance. For someone billing $800 per hour, the lack of preparation was difficult to reconcile with the certainty with which he spoke. When discussing the case, he would isolate a single detail from its broader context and dwell on it at length despite having access to the full documentation. That isolated point would then become the basis for a sweeping and dismissive conclusion delivered with great confidence, though the actual record did not appear to support it. When I asked direct questions -- what does that mean, how does that fit into the case -- the responses often became more legal terminology rather than clearer explanation. The effect was less analytical than evasive. What was especially striking was the level of authority and detail he brought to describing the opposing party's supposed strengths while not appearing to have meaningfully reviewed the materials I had provided. The confidence with which he characterized a case he had not actually examined was itself notable. Throughout the consultation, his $20,000 retainer surfaced repeatedly and often unprompted -- not as a routine disclosure or in response to specific questions, but almost as a refrain. In the context of a child support enforcement matter in magistrate court, the repetition felt less informational than performative. There was also a persistent dismissiveness to his manner -- at times less like professional detachment and more like open condescension -- unlike anything I experienced with any other attorney I consulted. Most tellingly, after nearly an hour, I had to ask him myself whether I should request a continuance -- one of the most basic procedural considerations available under the circumstances. That it never arose independently during the consultation says a great deal about what the meeting actually produced. I left without a strategy, without a coherent framework, and without the level of guidance that should be the minimum expectation of a paid legal consultation.

I contacted Needle & Cuda seeking legal help for a serious and urgent matter specifically because…read morethe firm handles domestic violence cases. I was honestly appalled by how I was treated, particularly by an intake staff member named Allison. I was initially told twice that someone would call me back, and no one ever did. When I called a third time, I spoke with Allison and she told me the reason she didn't return either call was because their "system was messed up because of the snow." I explained my situation and, toward the end of the call, mentioned that my prior attorney was requiring me to sign an appearance form before returning my retainer. I told her I was seeking legal advice about how to handle this because I didn't know whether I should sign the form or whether new counsel would file their own appearance. I made it clear that this was something I intended to discuss during the paid consultation, which I understood would cost between $650 and $1,300. Allison responded in a rude and dismissive tone: "We don't do that. Get your retainer back and then we'll schedule a consultation." I explained that I did not need my previous retainer returned in order to retain the firm and that I was prepared to pay their $25,000 retainer if I decided to move forward after the consultation. She then said she would call or email me to schedule it. I waited a couple of days and never heard back. Because I urgently needed legal assistance, I called Needle & Cuda again. During that call, I was told the firm likely could not take me as a client "because of the retainer issue," even though I had already clarified that I was prepared to pay their retainer. Despite reiterating that, I was told to call back later to schedule the consultation instead of simply scheduling it while I was already on the phone. When I followed those instructions and called back later that day, someone answered the phone and immediately hung up on me. I waited to see if it was a mistake and called back a few minutes later, but the phone just rang with no answer. The entire interaction was extremely disrespectful and unprofessional, especially given the seriousness of a domestic violence-related custody matter. Respectful communication during intake should be the bare minimum, and I do not understand why I was given the runaround instead of a clear answer. I cannot speak for the attorneys themselves, but based on my experience with the intake staff, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere if you are seeking responsiveness, professionalism, or even basic courtesy. If this experience does not reflect how Needle & Cuda intends to treat potential clients in serious legal situations, I hope the partners review how intake calls are being handled.

Maya Murphy PC - Attorney William B. Westcott

Maya Murphy PC

(13 reviews)

Had an excellent experience with Attorney Balding at Maya Murphy on a custody revisitation/case…read moremanagement matter. He really helped me to see clearly and create options that worked. I found him to be measured, thoughtful and caring. He offered not only wise legal counsel but also proved to be compassionate and thoughtful in helping the process stay centered on what was best for our child. He offered wise and helpful insights and dealt wisely with the other party and resolved the case without further expense and a long drawn out trial. A great lawyer who understands the human side and was tough when he needed to be too! Thank you Tyler so very much!

**Caution Advised Before Retaining This Firm**…read more Based on my experience with Maya Murphy, LLP, I cannot recommend their services. My full story is below if you care to read on, but here are alternative firms to engage in CT and NY: **Connecticut** * Lucas and Varga, LLC: [https://lucasvargalaw.com](https://lucasvargalaw.com) * Richard L. Pate Law Offices: [https://www.richardlpateconnecticutemploymentlawyer.com](https://www.richardlpateconnecticutemploymentlawyer.com) **New York** * Granovsky & Sundaresh PLLC: [https://g-s-law.com](https://g-s-law.com) * Phillips & Associates: [https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com](https://www.newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com) While initial consultations were promising and the firm appeared engaged after I paid a \$5,000 retainer, the quality of service quickly declined. Communication became sporadic, and billing lacked transparency--there were long stretches with no updates, followed by a sudden, substantial bill. After partial payment, they indicated they would no longer negotiate on my behalf unless the outstanding amount was paid in full. At several points, it appeared the firm prioritized their fees over my case. Promises of strong representation and an optimistic outcome did not materialize. In fact, the handling of the matter ultimately weakened my position, and the final settlement amount covered mostly legal fees--with little benefit to me as a client. Key issues I experienced include: * Long periods with no attorney contact * Last-minute reassignment to a different lawyer with little context * Missed or delayed meetings * Poor communication and apparent lack of case familiarity * Settlement pressure with little room for discussion These concerns mirror those raised in other negative reviews. I urge potential clients to research thoroughly and consider alternative firms before proceeding. This review reflects my personal experience and is intended to help others make informed decisions.

Oberst DeFala Law - divorce - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...