Maria Carmela Chiarelli

With it now almost 2 years since my divorce, I thought my anger and disappointment, in Maria's handling of my divorce had dissipated. I recently drove by Attorney Chiarelli 's Office location and I felt the anger and disappointment once again. I had been referred to her, when my Mediated divorce was ...stopped by my now ex-Husband at the Courthouse! At my initial visit, Maria asked me why I had signed the initial mediated agreement? Well, she had been briefed by that Attorney and she was told how very, very difficult my ex was to deal with!! She was to find out how it was.After a year of, him having different Lawyers, multiple canceled Hearings, we were finally going finalize the Divorce. Over this time I compiled every single thing that was asked of me. Meanwhile, my ex had 2 arrests and I was issued, first a restraning Order, then a Protective Order. Maria just kept telling me to deal with that, with the Police. Her Para kept telling me, Maria has you, don't worry! Well, I met with her, the Friday before our Court date and went through all the financial statements and the tens of thousands I spent on improving his home. When we finished, she said you may have to compromise, I said sure, then she hit me with, she was going to use the original Mediated agreement!!! Obviously I wasn't happy, after what I'd been through the past year ect. Over that weekend, I had multiple texts from my soon to be ex, I emailed her Para, that I was concerned that if I went through with the divorce, I no longer had any legal stance. Within a short time, I received a email from Maria, she was threatening to tell the Judge, she wanted off my case, for being abusive to her and her staff. She was condescending and antagonistic. I have never ever been anything of the sort, to her or anyone else! I was truly hurt, confused and angry, that she turned on me, because of my husband. He, definitely had mental health issues and I know his Attorneys quit, because of his difficulties. However, $5,000 may not seem like alot to some, and divorces can be expensive, Maria hardly did anything for that, she actually used the actual Mediated Agreement, and just changed the dates!!! Even after, when during the Pandemic, I asked her to get a copy of the Divorce, she told me to do it myself. When I asked if she could get me the title of a car , from his Attorney, she gave me that Attorney's phone number. When I called that office, they said she hadn't even returned their phone calls! Anyone who knows me, will tell you, I am so easy going and certainly not abusive to anyone. The morning of the Court appearance she text me, be there by 9. I sat in the hall with a friend and sobbed, I was so embarrassed and sad, that she did this to me. My ex, wasn't even there because they were afraid of his behavior. I felt so disappointed in how I was treated by Maria, not because of anything I did or didn't do, but because of my ex! I have never ever had anyone treat me this way. I am a RN, and have dealt with people my whole life, to be treated this way is something I will never forget. Kathy S

Maria assisted me with my divorce, which was a very painful time in life. My situation was very complicated and not only was my future financial situation at risk but the safety and well being of my children. She was with us every step of the way and explained everything so I was prepared to handle... the process. Divorce is never easy but I could not imagine going through it with anyone else. I would highly recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in this unfortunate situation.

I was extremely disappointed in Maria's lack of follow up and communication . I did not feel she was advocating on my behalf but was interested in prolonging a painful process instead. Her communications with me as , I attemptefto get status updates, were condescending and extremely unprofessional. H...er antagonistic posture was not helpful in court discussions ,or with me as her client , and did not produce any result other than prolonging the case. Not every delay was a direct result of Maria but I do not feel she advocated effectively to bring any type of resolution. Thankfully after I made the decision to seek out new counsel I was able to get the ongoing battle resolved and closed in less than 3 months. Which was a great relief after 16 months of no progress at all.