Gretchen Fry Rafuse

Gretchen Fry Rafuse completely misrepresented her style by claiming to be aggressive and responsive, which were qualities we requested in any prospective counsel; she proved to be neither. As her client, I warned her that opposing counsel would drag her down pointless rabbit holes, delay, obfuscate a...nd for Gretchen to avoid these pitfalls and pursue specific, reasonable goals. After five months and most our our hefty retainer used, Ms. Rafuse had achieved not a single goal. Something as simple as obtaining required health care information for a minor child, as ordered by a judge, was beyond Gretchen’s capability despite having a court order empowering her to seek this. She proved unable to handle pointed and honest feedback about her poor performance and chose to display her inability to accept negative feedback by trying to remove herself from the case claiming a “breakdown in the attorney/client relationship.” The only breakdown was in Ms. Rafuse’s willingness to accept her failings, rectify them, and move forward with the task she was given. Ms. Rafuse didn’t file letters when she agreed to, used child care absence as an excuse for not contacting us as agreed, took offense to being called out, and didn’t return calls or emails promptly despite assurances that she would be responsive. We were incredibly disappointed in her service, communications, focus, and excuses.

While my case(s) have been anything short of simplistic, Gretchen has always managed to be able to pick the important things out of the plethora of changes a worried/anxious client tends to want at the beginning of child custody cases, divorce proceedings, mediation, etc. With that, she is straight f...orward with you if she believes that what you want may not be feasible. I really like the fact that she allows me to participate in the process, which ensures me (as a perfectionist) that everything that is important to me is either included or at least discussed with her. She is extremely trustworthy and is a great fit at the Sparta Firm which is comprised of other experienced and talented attorneys. If you are going through a family matter that requires mediation or an in-depth motion filing, I highly recommend that you contact Gretchen for a consultation. Many times you only have one shot at presenting your side, make it worthwhile and contact Gretchen.

Gretchen handled my case starting with my divorce, and in the years that followed with custody modifications and financial matters. I have used her to respond to motions and initiate my own, which included necessary oral arguments and preparations for trial. I can say firsthand that she is professi...onal, knowledgeable, real, and fair. She learns your case like no other. In a Court room, she is able to present your case solidly and clearly, and she “gets it”, remembering even the smallest of details. All of this has helped me attain successful outcomes and I would highly recommend Gretchen to anyone needing family law counsel.

I was represented by Gretchen Fry Rafuse. She went above and beyond to assist me, making sure I was in excellent hands. Results were better than I had even dreamed of. Polite, helpful and responsive to all our questions and concerns, the whole process was smooth and painless. Cannot recommend enoug...h!

Gretchen is knowledgeable, professional and friendly. I've known her professionally for many years and have referred several people who were seeking family law guidance to her. All have been happy with her services. When it came time for my divorce, she could not have been more accommodating and he...lpful. The entire process could not have gone smoother. As a professional I have seen her in Court countless times on a variety of cases and am continually impressed. Cannot say enough positive about her.