Christopher M. Manganello

Mr. Manganello took my case on the day after my wife left me unannounced. She had filed a restraining order to keep me out of my own home. Mr. Manganello was able to reverse her restraining order and get me back into my home. At that time he requested 25,000 in retainer which I had no idea was 5... times the normal amount. He never had me sign a contract, and was so anxious to receive the retainer, I gave him the check for $30,000 which I received from my Financial Institution. It took him over a week to return my $5000 over-payment. After that, we went to court and he suggested I pay my wife's lawyer $7,500 and $2000 per month support to my wife. A subsequent hearing was scheduled for 30 days later after which the court would have my financial information. Mr. Manganello postponed this hearing and I continued to pay my wife $2000 per month even after the Court appointed Arbitration Committee determined $ 1000 would be generous. Mr. Manganello did not return calls, and never had me read or sign a contract. I never received a bill until my subsequent lawyer demanded an accounting of his charges. Mr. Manganello produced a bogus bill which he admitted he had no notes to support. His bill came out to $25,546.19. My wife's lawyer agreed it was excessive and redundant. I am now forced to go into Fee Arbitration with the NJ Bar Association.